Grumman A-6E Intruder

History

The A-6 worked around the clock in Vietnam, conducting attacks on the targets with a pinpoint accuracy unavailable through any other aircraft at that time. The A-6E proved once again that it is the best all-weather precision bomber in the world in the joint strike on Libyan terrorist-related targets in 1986. Navy A-6E Intruders and Air Force FB-111s penetrated the sophisticated Libyan air defense systems, which had been alerted by the high level of diplomatic tension and by rumors of impending attacks. Evading more than 100 guided missiles, the strike force flew at low levels in complete darkness and hit its target. A-6 aircraft were used extensively during Operation Desert Storm, providing precision bombing on a wide range of targets. The night and all-weather attack capabilities enabled the A-6 to neutralize anti-aircraft batteries and attack well protected tactical targets with minimum casualties. The precision munitions used by the A-6 provided exact targeting of targets in a complex environment.
The QAM’s A-6 Intruder, Navy Bureau Number: 155629, is also significant because it is one of only 19 Intruders out of a total of over 700 built to be modified to the A-6B "Wild Weasel" configuration.
This aircraft saw combat in Vietnam with Attack Squadron VA-165 "BOOMERS" aboard the U.S.S. America (CVA-66) during their 69-70 combat deployment.
On 7 December 1994, the A-6 Intruder was flown to the Quonset Air Museum from U.S. Navy Attack Squadron VA-34 "Blue Blasters" based at NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach Va.

Description

Primary Function: All-weather medium attack aircraft bomber; carrier-based.
Contractor: Grumman Aerospace Corporation

Mission

The A-6E was developed for conventional ground attack in all weather conditions day and night.

Features

The A-6E is an all-weather, two-seat, subsonic, carrier-based attack aircraft. In spite of its weight, it has excellent slow-flying capabilities with full span slats and flaps. The crew, sitting side by side, can see in all directions through a broad canopy. The aircraft is equipped with a micro-miniaturized digital computer, a solid state weapons release system, and a single integrated track and search radar. The Intruder is armed with laser-guided weapons and equipped with a chin turret containing a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system and laser designator and receiver.

Date Deployed: First flight, April 19, 1960; Operational, February 1963;

Specifications

Crew: Two
Wingspan: 53 feet
Length: 54 ft 7 in
Height: 16 ft 3 in

Weights

Take-off: maximum gross, 60,626 lbs.
Take-off: maximum gross (carrier), 58,600 lbs.
Empty: 25,630 lbs.

Propulsion

Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney J52-P8B engines
Thrust-lb.: 9300 pounds thrust each

Performance

Range: With full combat load, 1,077 miles; with external fuel tanks, 3,100 miles.
Speed: 563 knots (648 miles per hour)
Ceiling: 44,600 feet

Armament

Five stores locations each rated at 3,600 pounds carrying any combination of Mk 80 series GP bombs, Guided Bomb Units (GBUs), AGM-65 Maverick missiles, AGM-88 missile, AGM-84D missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, and the AGM-62 Walleye.

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