DONE @p.2 +++ 1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk', USN VA-207 'Golden Warriors', 1976

[kerick]

A always fun to see your stuff. We'll be here.

[Dizzyfugu]

Yeah, finally finished a photo session with the A-4L model!

[Scooterman]

The Scooterman approves!

[Dizzyfugu]

Half of the pics processed... 

[NARSES2]

Tease   

[Dizzyfugu]

Finally, after some breaks and lack(s) of personal energy, here comes the Lima Skyhawk. 


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Some background:
The Douglas A4D/A-4 Skyhawk was a single seat subsonic carrier-capable attack aircraft developed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps in the early 1950s. The delta winged, single turbojet engine Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later by McDonnell Douglas. The Skyhawk saw active combat on several occasions. The US Navy operated the type as its principal light attack aircraft during the Vietnam War, carrying out some of the first air strikes by the US during the conflict.

The Skyhawk was a conventional post-WWII design, with a low-mounted thick delta wing that held all fuel, tricycle undercarriage, and a single turbojet engine in the rear fuselage. The tail was of cruciform design, with the horizontal stabilizer mounted above the fuselage. Armament consisted of two 20 mm (.79 in caliber) Colt Mark 12 cannons, one in each wing root, originally with 100 rounds per gun, plus a large variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles carried on a hardpoint under the fuselage centerline and hardpoints under each wing (originally one per wing, later two). The short-span delta wing did not require the complexity of wingtip folding, saving an estimated 200 pounds (91 kg). Its spars were machined from a single forging that spanned across both wingtips. The leading-edge slats were designed to drop automatically at the appropriate speed by gravity and air pressure, saving weight and space by omitting actuation motors and switches. Similarly, the main undercarriage did not penetrate the main wing spar, designed so that when retracted only the wheel itself was inside the wing and the undercarriage struts were housed in a fairing below the wing. Thus, the wing structure was lighter with the same overall strength. The rudder was constructed of a single panel reinforced with external ribs. The turbojet engine was accessed for service or replacement by removing the aft section of the fuselage and sliding out the engine, a Wright J65 (an axial-flow turbojet engine produced by Curtiss-Wright under license from Armstrong Siddeley, a development of the Sapphire). This obviated the need for access doors with their hinges and latches further reducing weight and complexity. This is the opposite of what can often happen in aircraft design where a small weight increase in one area leads to a compounding increase in weight in other areas to compensate, creating a demand for more powerful, heavier engines, larger wing, and empennage area, and so on in a vicious circle.


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


The Skyhawk proved to be a relatively common United States Navy aircraft export. Due to its small size, it could be operated from older, smaller World War II-era aircraft carriers still used by smaller navies during the 1960s. These older ships were often unable to accommodate newer Navy fighters such as the F-4 Phantom II and F-8 Crusader, which were faster and more capable than the A-4, but significantly larger and heavier.

Several variants were developed and produced since the Skyhawk's maiden flight in 1954, with ever-increasing capabilities and firepower. The initial A4D versions were primarily daytime strike aircraft with nuclear capability (A4D-1 and -2, becoming the A-4A and B in 1962, respectively). In 1959, an updated version introduced radar for all-weather operations, the A4D-2N/A-4C, with AN/APG-53A radar, autopilot, LABS low-altitude bombing system. A whole new Skyhawk generation followed in 1963 with more sophisticated avionics, the A-4E and later the even more capable F, with a more powerful J52 engine, improved avionics with TACAN, Doppler navigation radar, radar altimeter, toss-bombing computer, and AJB-3A low-altitude bombing system, as well as wider range of ordnance options like TV- or laser-guided smart bombs for use during the Vietnam War. The first A-4Es were flown in Vietnam in early 1965, but the A-4Cs continued to be used in the conflict until late 1970, too.


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


However, their withdrawal from East Asia was not the end of the Charlies' career. 100 Naval Air Reserve A-4Cs were upgraded and assigned the designation A-4L. The upgrade was designed to bring them up to the standards of Echo and Fox Skyhawks that were then in active fleet service, in the expectation that there could be two Reserve carrier air wings that would be fully combat-ready should the need arise. The respective reorganization of the Naval Air Reserve Force followed the new concept that a reserve force squadron (RESFORON) was to be more compatible with active-duty units, resulting in a seamless support or these and in an increment of their general combat readiness.

Douglas developed a conversion kit that was tested on a single A-4C, and the first Lima was flown on August 21, 1969. Conversions were applied at Douglas' Long Beach factory to 99 more aircraft, and deliveries already started in December of that year and lasted until 1972. The upgrade included the installation of an uprated J65-W-20 engine with 8400 lb static thrust for takeoff to all A-4Ls, plus additional avionics that brought the A-4C to a status comparable with the then-state-of-the-art A-4F. These had to be fit into a dorsal "hump", due to the lack of internal space in the A-4C's nose section, which was already occupied by the AN/APG-53A radar. In addition, the wing lift spoilers that were first introduced on the TA-4F trainer were included in the modification kit, too, which improved landing characteristics a lot. However, the number of weapons pylons remained only at three.


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


A-4Ls were exclusively operated by Navy Reserve squadrons and Marine Corps Reserves; VA-207 was one of these units, nicknamed the "Golden Chargers". It was established as Attack Squadron 207 (VA-207) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida on 1 July 1970. The squadron exclusively flew the A-4L Skyhawk and relocated in 1972 to NAS Fort Worth, Texas. There, the Golden Chargers took over further missions beyond their RESFORON role and started to act as adversaries to active-duty Fleet fighter and strike fighter squadrons being trained for deployment, and advanced weapons training (e.g. the deployment of guided weapons).
In May 1972, VA-207's Limas deployed to NAS Oceana in Virginia to participate in exercise Exotic Dancer V, designed to test multiservice operations under a unified command organization. In February 1980, the squadron and its Skyhawks furthermore participated in a combined NATO forces exercise conducted at NAS Bermuda at St. David's Island in the Atlantic Ocean.

Transitioning to the A-7E Corsair II in 1983, VA-207's primary mission changed to provide contributory support to the fleet, and to be ready to deploy to an aircraft carrier during a crisis as an activated reserve light attack squadron. Many A-4Ls converted from Vietnam War veterans had by that time reached their structural limit and were scrapped, but Limas based on younger airframes that were still in good shape were set aside and offered for sale. Malaysia bought 25 Charlies und 63 Limas, of which forty were reworked to A-4PTM status in 1982 (as a side note, the suffix "PTM" is frequently misinterpreted as "Peculiar To Malaysia", but actually it is an abbreviation for "Persekutan Tanah Melayu", meaning Republic of Malaysia). These aircraft received a new bombing computer, body refurbishments and wiring updates, while around the same number of Charlie and Lima airframes were stored for spares. They remained active until 1994.


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Following its next transition to the F/A-18 Hornet in October 1996 and becoming VFA-207, the Golden Warriors relocated to NAS Atlanta, Georgia, and it was to be ready to deploy as an activated reserve strike-fighter squadron. However, VFA-207 was deactivated on 30 June 2004 prior to the BRAC-directed closure of NAS Atlanta, and eventually disbanded.


General characteristics:
    Crew: 1
    Length: 40 ft 1 in (12,24 m)
    Wingspan: 27 ft 6 in (8,40 m)
    Height: 15 ft (4,58 m)
    Wing area: 259 ft² (24.15 m²)
    Airfoil: NACA 0008-1.1-25 at the wing root
          NACA 0005-0.825-50 at the tip
    Empty weight: 9.860 lb (4.476 kg)
    Loaded weight: 18,500 lb (8.400 kg)
    Max. takeoff weight: 22,500 lb (10.215 kg)

Powerplant:
    1× Wright J65-W-20 turbojet, rated at 8400 lb thrust

Performance:
    Maximum speed: 637 mph                 
    Cruise speed: 498 mph
    Stalling speed: 137 mph
    Range: 1,000 miles with 2,025 lbs of stores
          1650 miles with two 300-gallon drop tanks
    Service ceiling: 40,500 ft.
    Rate of climb: 7,950 feet per minute initially
    Wing loading: 71.4 lb/ft² (348 kg/m²)
    Thrust/weight: 0.45
    g-limit: +8/-3g

Armament:
    2× fixed forward firing 0.79 in (20 mm) Colt Mk. 12 machine cannon with 100 RPG
    3× hardpoints for a total of up to 8,200 lbs (3.722 kg) of external stores


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Douglas A-4L 'Skyhawk'; 'AF 312 (Bu/No 146098)' of the U.S. Navy VA-207 'Golden Chargers', Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20); NAS Fort Worth (Texas), 1976 (What-if/modified Hobby 2000/Fujimi kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


A rather subtle whif, and this one is, concerning the hardware, even a realistic representation of the rather fameless Lima Skyhawk. The bright yellow unit markings add a fresh touch to the standard livery, though, and the bright blue Walleye bombs appear like jewelry under the Scooter's wings.
Not spectacular, but I can finally erase the A-4L from my project list. 😉

[NARSES2]

Looks good Dizzy, always had a liking for the Skyhawk 

[Dizzyfugu]

It's very versatile! 

[zenrat]

 

[su27rules]

Nice!!  

[Dizzyfugu]

Thank you all! 

[DogfighterZen]

Scooters are cool... Nice work, Dizzy!  

[PR19_Kit]

Wholly believable. 

[Old Wombat]

Wholly believable. 

Very!

[MAD]

Oh wow, very very impressive Dizzyfugu
Congratulations!


MAD