Douglas A-4E / A-4F Skyhawk
The J52-powered workhorse — and, with its avionics hump, the Blue Angels' Skyhawk · First flight 1961 · In service 1963
The A4D-5, redesignated A-4E in 1962, was the first major redesign of the Skyhawk. It replaced the Wright J65 with the more economical Pratt & Whitney J52-P-6A, added two more weapon pylons for a total of five, and introduced TACAN and Doppler navigation radar. It first flew on 12 July 1961, deliveries began in January 1963, and 499 were built; many were later re-engined with the 41 kN J52-P-8.
The A-4F, first flown on 31 August 1966 as a converted A-4E, added the distinctive avionics 'hump' on the spine, wing-top lift spoilers and nosewheel steering. It entered fleet service in early 1967 and 147 were built; later aircraft received the 50 kN J52-P-408.
Both versions flew extensively from carriers in the 1960s and 1970s. After front-line service they became adversary aircraft for fighter training, including at the Navy Fighter Weapons School, and the A-4F was the display aircraft of the US Navy's Blue Angels from 1974 to 1986.
