History

The A-4M was a version of the Skyhawk specifically designed to fulfill a Marine Corps requirement for an attack aircraft which could fly close air support from short air strips close to the front lines. It was selected over the Ling-Temco-Vought A-7.

The A-4M was powered by a new version of the J52 engine, the J52-P-408, rated at 11,200 lbs, which was 20 percent more powerful that the earlier J52-P-8A. The higher thrust of this engine markedly improved the short-field performance. The new engine was only one percent heaver and had no increase in specific fuel consumption. In addition, smokeless burner cans were installed to reduce the amount of visible engine exhaust. In addition, a self-contained engine starter was provided, and the electrical power generating capacity was increased by 60 percent.

Authority to proceed with the A-4M was granted in May of 1969. Two A-4Fs (BuNos 155045 and 155049) were reworked into A-4M configuration at the factory to serve as prototypes. The first aircraft was flown on April 10, 1970 by test pilot Walt Smith.

During the ten-year production run of the A-4M, significant improvements were made. Among these was a new heads-up cockpit display. A Hughes Angle/Rate Bombing System (ARBS) was installed which featured both television and laser tracking modes. The sensor package included a television camera and a laser spot tracing system to provide for acquisition and tracking of laser-designated targets. On either side of the nose sensors was an antenna for the ALR-45 radar warning system. Another antenna for the ALR-45 radar homing and warning system was fitted to the top of the vertical fin. Below the nose was an antenna for an ALQ-126 deception jammer transmitter and receiver system.

A total of 160 A-4Ms were built (including the two revised A-4Fs). The final A-4M was delivered on February 27, 1979, bringing Skyhawk production to an end. At the time, this was the longest production run for any American tactical aircraft--27 years.

ROLE: Single-seat light attack and ground support aircraft, both land and carrier based.
Crew: One
Bureau Number: 160036

PERFORMANCE
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 24,500 pounds
Maximum speed: 654 mph.

SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J52-P-408 turbojet
Wing Span: 26 feet 6 inches
Length: 40 feet 3 inches
Height: 14 feet 11 inches
Empty Weight: 12,437 pounds
Armament: Up to a maximum of 10,000 lbs of external stores. Weapons that can be deployed include nuclear or HE bombs, air-to-surface rockets (Zuni and 2.75 FFAR), Sidewinder infra-red missiles, Bullpup and Walleye air-to-surface missiles, and Mk 4 gun pods. Two 20 mm MK 12 cannon in the wingroots are standard, each with 200 rounds.