Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Sq., Tunisian Air Force, 1988

Dizzyfugu · April 18, 2015, 05:53:39 AM

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Some background:
Tunisia has, considering its size, one of the relatively small Air Forces in the region. Tunisia established the first air arm in 1959, after being controlled by France until 1954, but it took until 1960 before the first aircraft were delivered.

Eight Saab 91's became the first service aircraft. They were transferred after the first personnel had done their training in Sweden. The eight aircraft were to be followed by seven more. In 1961 two Alouette 2 helicopters were taken on strength. In 1963 the French government supplied three MD315's and twelve T-6 Harvards to the Tunisian Republic Air Force.

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The jet-age in the Tunisian Republic Air Force started in 1965 when eight MB326 aircraft were delivered and the Advanced Flying Training Squadron was established. In 1969 twelve F-86's were delivered from the Unites States providing more air power.

In 1973, sixteen A-4F Skyhawks were offered to the Tunisian Republic Air Force. The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk was a single seat carrier-capable attack aircraft, originally developed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later by McDonnell Douglas.

At first, these were refused because of the amount of work (and cost involved) to be done on the (AMARC) aircraft. The ageing Saab 91's basic trainers were replaced by twelve SF-260WT's in 1974.

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Then, in 1975, the Tunisian Republic Air Force eventually acquired ten new A-4's, despite the high cost involved, since the country's F-86s had to be replaced and a more effective fighter bomber was direly needed: Recurrent guerilla actions on Tunisia's border with Libya, probably even supported from that country, called for a veritable improvement of the Air Force.

These Skyhawks, designated A-4T, were brand new and almost up to the contemporary A-4M standard: compared with the A-4F these machines had improved avionics, a more powerful J52-P-408a engine with 11,200 lbf (50 kN) thrust, an enlarged cockpit and an IFF system.
Two UH-1N and two UH-1H helicopters were also taken on strength in 1975, followed by eighteen Italian built AB205's in 1980. Later, at least four AB412's were purchased.

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The backbone of the Tunisian Republic Air Force nowadays is formed by thirteen (twelve F-5E and three F-5) which were bought from the United States in XXX and fill the interceptor role. Also, the MB326 are still going strong with 11sq at Sidi Ahmed, and the A-4Ts (eight are still operative).

The transport-role has been fulfilled by eight ex AMARC C-130B's and three newly built C-130H's. In 1995 Tunisia was offered eleven ex AMARC HH-3E's. Although it is widely believed the offer was refused, two HH-3E's wearing Tunisian roundels and serials were seen in late 1999. The serials suggest that at least seven were taken on strength.

AMARC files show eleven HH-3's to be delivered to the Tunisian Republic Air Force. Also in 1995, Tunisia took delivery of twelve new L-59T armed jet trainers and three L-410UVP's. Latest deliveries are two G222's (2001, ex AMI) and an extra C-130 (2002).

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The Tunisian Republic Air Force uses a squadron/flight structure and has four main bases (Bizerte/Sidi Ahmed, Gafsa, Bizerte/La Karouba and Sfax).

Aircraft of the Tunisian Republic Air Force are rarely seen outside Tunisia although some visits to Spanish bases of Tunisian F-5's and A-4's were made in the past years.
In 2010, Lockheed Martin signed a contract with the Government of Tunisia for the delivery of two C-130J. The aircraft, including three years of support, will be delivered in 2013 and 2014 and will be assigned to 21sq, already equipped with eight C-130B and one C-130H.

In 2010 as well, the Government of Tunisia requested US Government the sale of twelve (refurbished) SH-60F to Tunisia. No further details are known yet, as this is just the formal request for the sale. The helicopters, if acquired, would replace the fleet of HH-3Es currently in use with 36sq.

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

a4t_2381 by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

General characteristics:
Crew: one
Length: 40 ft 3 in (12.22 m)
Wingspan: 26 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
Height: 15 ft (4.57 m)
Wing area: 259 ft² (24.15 m²)
Airfoil: NACA 0008-1.1-25 root, NACA 0005-0.825-50 tip
Empty weight: 10,450 lb (4,750 kg)
Loaded weight: 18,300 lb (8,318 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 24,500 lb (11,136 kg)

Powerplant:
1 × Pratt & Whitney J52-P-408a turojet, rated at 11.200 lbf (50 kN)

Performance:
Maximum speed: 585 kn (673 mph, 1,077 km/h)
Range: 1,700 nmi (2,000 mi, 3,220 km)
Combat radius: 625 nmi (719 mi, 1,158 km)
Service ceiling: 42,250 ft (12,880 m)
Rate of climb: 8,440 ft/min (43 m/s)
Wing loading: 70.7 lb/ft² (344.4 kg/m²)
Thrust/weight: 0.51
g-limit: +8/-3 g

Armament:
2× 20 mm (0.79 in) Colt Mk 12 cannon in the wing roots with 100 RPG
4× under-wing & 1× under-fuselage pylon stations for up to 9,900 lb (4,490 kg) of ordnance

The kit and its assembly:
This is one of those what-if models I actually love the most: a hardware from of something that almost happened in real life. The Tunesian Skyhawk was a potential child of the mid-70ies, but despite American offers the type was not adopted, instead the F-5E was introduced. Anyway, I found the idea of such an exotic aircraft interesting, and when I finally saw the Tunesian F-5's unique paint scheme I knew that I had to build a model on this basis.

The kit I used is the venerable Italeri A-4M, which is, despite ist raised panel lines and surface details, IMHO a very good model of this type, esp. for the late USMC versions with the 'Hot Dog' antenna on the fin.

The kit was built almost OOB, the standard fin tip comes from the Italeri kit (optional part), and I left away some radar warning antennae, for a conservative look. I also changed some blade antennae, and the ordnance - while being the same as provided with the kit - is new. Both the drop tank and the rocket launchers are donation parts.

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Another modification are the lowered flaps and slats in landing configuration - including bright red insides on the wings' leading edges. No extra parts were used here.

The cockpit is OOB, and a ton of lead fills the model's nose; the Matchbox pilot was only used for the beauty pics.

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Painting and markings:
More interesting. The paint scheme was lent from Tunisian F-5E/Fs, and the pattern is based on the 'Minor Asia' paint scheme, just with different colors: it consists of Dark Green (probably FS 34079), Tan (FS 30219) and a bale, almost bluish gray of which I am not certain if it is FS 36231?

I tried to simulate the colors based on pictures of real world aircraft and ended with Humbrol 116, 118 and 165 - the latter is an RAF tone, a bit light for the original gray, but on many pics the aircraft look pretty sun-bleached, esp. the gray. For thenunderside I used FS 36440 (= Humbrol 129).

As usual, the kit received a black in wash, some panel shading with lighter tones, decals and finally a dry brushing treatment with a brownish gray tone.

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The decals were a lucky find - there's actually a Colorado Decals sheet available that contains Tunisian F-5E markings, and these were simply transferred to the kit, plus some typical Skyhawk stencils. Just the "01" on the nose is a personal addition.

Finally, everything was sealed with matt acrylic varnish.

1:72 Douglas A-4T "Skyhawk", aircraft 'Y-92501' of No. 16 Squadron, القوات الجوية التونسية (Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya At'Tunisia, Tunisian Republic Air Force); Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Base, 1988 (Whif/Italeri kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

A simple whif, almost OOB, but with an exotic touch of a small Air Force. And, judging the beauty pics, the paint scheme appears to be pretty effective!

Captain Canada · April 18, 2015, 06:44:11 AM

Beautiful. That scheme looks right at home on the A-4. Great selection of shots as usual. Always jealous when I see those

They really bring your work to life. Especially the landing pics....just perfect !

sandiego89 · April 18, 2015, 06:55:54 AM

Great color choices, African aircraft seem to have the most interesting schemes.

agree the landing photo is fantastic.

Weaver · April 18, 2015, 10:06:54 AM

Great painting and photography as usual Dizzy.

One point if I may? I think I'm right in saying that Skyhawk flaps don't work like that. The flaps are only the lower surface of the wing, exposing red interiors when they open. On earlier models the upper surface was fixed, but on later ones it was converted into a spoiler which opened upwards.

Dizzyfugu · April 18, 2015, 10:30:33 AM

Quote from: Captain Canada on April 18, 2015, 06:44:11 AM
Beautiful. That scheme looks right at home on the A-4. Great selection of shots as usual. Always jealous when I see those They really bring your work to life. Especially the landing pics....just perfect !

Thank you very much (everyone). Yes, the touchdown/start shots are new, an experiment that was approriate due to the low speed configuration of the slats/flaps. Adds some action to the static kit, and it works well.

Concerning the flaps' design, I am actually not certain if what I did is correct... trusted the kit's engravings but did not research the mechanism in depth.
Anyway, I found proof that they open up- and downwards, separately, and I think the "upper half" won't move downwards:

So I assume the point about them being wrong is correct, and that the upper half should have been kept level.

Glenn Gilbertson · April 18, 2015, 11:04:09 AM

Great model and photography!

sandiego89 · April 18, 2015, 01:55:58 PM

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on April 18, 2015, 10:30:33 AM
I think the "upper half" won't move downwards:

So I assume the point about them being wrong is correct, and that the upper half should have been kept level.

[/quote]

Yes, upper surface of the flap does not go down. Spilt flap. In the flaps down position, just the bottom half goes down, top surface lays flat like the wing. Minor detail, she looks great.

Army of One · April 18, 2015, 02:13:30 PM

Great model and scheme with some fantastic pics as well........

DogfighterZen · April 18, 2015, 05:09:15 PM

I like it, the colors look really good indeed! Once again, great work.

royabulgaf · April 18, 2015, 07:14:46 PM

Great model, super photos. I like the worn look of some minimally maintained aircraft that has been sitting out in the sun for 20 years.

zenrat · April 18, 2015, 07:28:38 PM

Obviously Tunisia modified their flaps due to the extremely low local humidity.

Or something.

Another good job. Nicely weathered.

Dizzyfugu · April 19, 2015, 01:30:32 AM

Quote from: zenrat on April 18, 2015, 07:28:38 PM
Obviously Tunisia modified their flaps due to the extremely low local humidity.

What else...

Again, thanks a lot to everyone for the kind feedback!

comrade harps · April 19, 2015, 05:46:15 AM

That's so cool - or is it hot? Anyway, another triumph! Love that camo, the weathering etc: you'd never see that down low.

kerick · April 19, 2015, 07:06:54 AM

Nice work! I always love the Skyhawk.
If you can get the Fujimi kit it has the slats open already. It can be hard to find.

Scooterman · April 19, 2015, 11:30:00 AM

My name is Scooterman, and I approve this model!!!