I have 1300 hours in the Skyhawk,over 200 traps. It was a great plane that was a joy to fly. Lost two of them during Vietnam. it was totally reliable. The most advanced technology in the plane was the aviators digital watch, manual backups for everything in case you lost hydraulics, or electrical power. The one bad part was no relief tube. A4s forever!

@goldbeachsurfer

2 жыл бұрын

Wow..what an incredible experience that must have been. I always loved the A-4...I always thought it was a great physical design, especially for its time. I remember seeing the Blue Angels using them in the 80's for several years until they transitioned to the F18. My best A-4 story is getting my picture taken in front of a Blue Angels A4 with one of their pilots around 1986 at Point Mugu NAS.

@alfredbrooks2276

2 жыл бұрын

Great fighter, great for Air to ground attacks, hope they keep these great birds flying.

@fakharjabbar7880

2 жыл бұрын

Relief tube ? Kindly educate me on this.

@franklewis414

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service. Had two brothers who served in Viet Nam, USMC. I was trained by all Viet Nam vets at the beginning of my career. To this day, I hold them in high regard. True professionals!

@rogerbloxham5381

2 жыл бұрын

@@fakharjabbar7880 It’s a tube in the Cockpit you can Piss into to relieve your bladder.

So many veterans in the comments and to those reading: thank you for your service! You are inspiring to younger generations such as mine!

@macmccreadie8541

Жыл бұрын

I live in Argentina & have taught A4 pilots ..who were a joy to work with..their professionalism during the Malvinos War was awesome. The A4 is still flying today. I have nothing but respect for these pilots. I am British.

It was an Argentine Skyhawk armed with an Exocet that sunk my friend`s ship HMS Sheffield in 1982, he survived I still drink with him today, yes they were hounded by the Royal Navy`s Sea Harrier`s and paid a heavy price mainly due to the US supplied sidewinder missiles to the British, thank you President Reagan. The bravery of those Argentine pilots was unbelievable and deserve a tip of the hat from this Englishman.

@agustinenzoa4447

2 жыл бұрын

Actually Fred, it was a recently purchased Dassault Super Etendard that fired that Exocet missile that sunk the HMS Sheffield (very modern and capable frigate in 82). But that tandem, at the hands of very well trained, brave and professional argentine naval aviators, was very hard to counter. Nothing that crew could have done to prevent it.The Douglas A4s also flew many sorties with the Argentine Navy, and although suffered some casualties, they fulfilled their mission extraordinarily well sinking many other modern RN ships. As a read on the subject argentine, Im very proud of our aviators although I believe Galtieri´s government made a terrible mistake in fighting head to head with the most experienced Navy in history and very professional armed forces of the UK. I´m glad it is all behind and we be friends again. Finally, Im glad your friend made it safe and sound and you can enjoy his company. Cheers, Agus.

@fredbeach2085

2 жыл бұрын

@@agustinenzoa4447 I stand corrected Augustin, kind regards from England.

@jf7243

Жыл бұрын

I started typing something similar until I read your much better educated note! Well said.

@alan-sk7ky

Жыл бұрын

@@agustinenzoa4447 You're thinking of HMS Coventry.

@WanderfalkeAT

Жыл бұрын

That is what I love about the Brit's - They salute their Enemy's Skill instead of downgrading them in their History Books.

I was a A6e Airframer back in the early 80’s. Some of the seniors who served during Vietnam told me A4 stories. Some A4’s were shot up so bad that loss hydraulics, but landed by gravity dropping the slats and flaps at certain air speed. I was amazed.

@lookronjon

Жыл бұрын

A friend off my family lost two in Vietnam. One is at the air museum in Pensacola. It was shot so full of holes that it was a cheese grater. The other crashed and he spent time as a guest of the north Vietnamese army at their Hilton in Hanoi. He was the captain of the USS America. He retired. He went in as an enlisted man and walked out a rear admiral. It’s R. Byron Fuller. The real Maverick.

@josephstalin5751

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for your service sir. God bless you

@badlaamaurukehu

8 ай бұрын

Good, so speak up.

@redbaroniii

2 ай бұрын

The airframe gang in our squadron (VA 15) were very professional. I recall how excited they were when they had some holes to patch. I swear they worked with joy in their hearts.

I was an avionics tech on Skyhawks in the mid 80's. I served in both A-4M, and OA-4M squadrons at El Toro, and both types had their quirks but were overall very dependable and easy to maintain. There were some components that were a real PITA to get to and work on, but once you learned the tricks of dealing with those, you were good to go. After I left the Marines I worked on the TA-4's at Pax River for a bit. The A-4 will always hold a special place for me.

As a veteran aircraft technician I wish that other aircraft designers would think about the ease of maintenance that the A-4 provided for the ground crews, all to often there are components tucked away in the airframe black hole of Calcutta just waiting to fail, and despite assurances that these components would never fail they did, out of spite for being left in the dark, in addition the designers didn’t think about daily operations, putting things like lubricant fill points and level indicators in places that even a rubber man couldn’t get at. The A-4 fulfilled all the requirements of the aircrews, and most importantly, the maintenance crews, almost the perfect example that to be great an aircraft does not have to be complex and/or expensive.

@rael5469

Жыл бұрын

That mechanic who slept with the engineer's wife ruined it for all of us. ;)

@Skyhawks1979

Жыл бұрын

Say that while trying to change a Tacan blower motor or one of the fuel quantity control units (red or black beer cans). LOL

@pervertt

Жыл бұрын

Allan Davis - Couldn't agree more. As a mechanised vehicle, an aircraft is not that much different from a car. I have heard from mechanics who compliment car makers who have thought about maintenance access, and curse other car makers who have not. Based on your comments, the A4 appears to be a design success in more ways than one.

@peetky8645

Жыл бұрын

i heard a commentary on planes for ukraine that said the grippen was the best choice because ease of maintenance, robust design allowed landing on unimproved areas. F16 low intake and spindly landing gear made it useless in unimproved areas. ;the A4 looks pretty robust. maybe we should send a bunch of a4 boneyard frames over there to lob cruise missiles from behind the lines.

@enricomandragona163

Жыл бұрын

The very fact that the A-4's are still flying today by some nations and private companies for ACM is a testimony in itself. Keep it simple stupid keeps this bird in the air longer than any current combat aircraft going on 70 yrs!! Same thing with the Phantom!! ⚓

As a young Sailor I had the extreme pleasure of watching the Blue Angels flying A-4's at the Moffett Field airshow in 1983. I was on duty that day, Staff at VP-31. The OOD was worried about spectators climbing up the inside of Hanger 1 and sent me to 'check it out'. I found no intruders, but climbed to the top of the hanger and out the top hatch just to 'make sure'. I remember how each of the wooden planks on the stairs up the inside frame of the hanger were covered in at least 1/2 of dust. I was careful, not only for the fear of finding a rotten plank and falling to my death, but putting too much dust into the air and giving away my position. Once atop the hanger I was able to see the Blue Angels perform BELOW me. It's one of the best memories I have of my time in the U.S. Navy and I flat out love the way the Blue Angel Aviators got the most out of the A-4's outstanding maneuverability performance. It was quite the "show".

@michaeltaylors2456

Жыл бұрын

I’m sure I saw the same group of Blue Angel pilots that summer while stationed at Sheppard AFB, TX. They had a mid week practice which included literal Top Gun style, very close high speed passes of the control tower and few a other maneuvers that were not part of the regular show. The A-4 is spectacular and far more aerobatic than shown in any videos I’ve seen.

@Idahoguy10157

Жыл бұрын

How! Does Hanger 1 still exist?

This brings back awesome memories! Was able to work on the A-4, A-6, A-7, and F-14 while stationed at China Lake with VX-5, from 1972-1976. Great video!

@navveteran9944

2 жыл бұрын

So you were a practitioner of the Fallon shuffle.

Unfortunately, I can't speak from firsthand experience like so many commenters here but my first memory of the A4 is still very near and dear. As a first grader, my brother and step brother drove to our first airshow at Latrobe Airport, now Arnold Palmer Regional. The Blue Angels, still relatively fresh off of the transition from the big noisy F4 Phantom to the A4, were performing Labor Day weekend. Driving out Route 30 approaching the airport, my brother said very matter of factly, "When are we gonna see some planes?" No sooner had the words come out of his mouth than 4 Blue Angel Skyhawks arrived overhead in the diamond on final approach. Believe me, to a little kid in a little VW Beetle, those A4s were jaw dropping. By show's end, I was a fan of the A4 forever. Thank you to all the guys on here involved in putting this great overachiever into the air.

@redbaroniii

2 ай бұрын

At the age of ten I met my first A4 during an air show at Hill AFB. Then I grew up and flew the wonderful aircraft that waited for me.

Flew the A4B/C/E and TA4F. One cruise on CVS-12 with A4B as a mini fighter(sidewinders). 2000 hours. Loved the Skyhawk. Sweet flying, responsive on the controls and a versatile aircraft.

@fish4kbcf

Жыл бұрын

You flew off the Hornet? My dad served on the Hornet during Vietnam as well. What years were you on there? I’ve toured the ship a handful of times in Alameda. Would love to pick your brain and learn more about it!!

@ThePrader

Жыл бұрын

My CO in 1981-1983, Captain Conner, flew an A4 in Vietnam. Hit, he flew his ship, upside down, home safely. As a young LT. he was a legend to me. Brazo Zulu.

@roycrane6282

Жыл бұрын

@@fish4kbcf I was in VMA-214 Det N on the Hornet during Oct 63 to Apr 64. Pre Vietnam and I also did 2 tours in Nam also flying the A4E. Sorry for late reply but I just saw your reply just now. -

@enricomandragona163

Жыл бұрын

Kudos ⚓

@prowlus

Жыл бұрын

didn’t know the A-4 flew air defence missions

I was on a DD at the time. Always admired those guys. The A-4 and A-7 guys were always fearless. Didn't seem to be anything those guys won't try.

The Bantam Bomber. Pound for pound, arguably the best attack aircraft this country ever produced. Incredible roll rate.

I served with VF-41 from 71-74 aboard CVA-42 (FDR). At the time VF-41 was an F4J squadron and during the '73 Israeli conflict we would catch A4s coming out of Southern Europe and send them on to Israel a couple of days later. I always marveled at that little airplane, loved its lines and everything about it. I learned later that a friend from my teenaged years became a Marine Blue Angel pilot and I'm pretty sure that he was with the Blues when they flew the A4. I always wished I had possessed the chops for that.

As an AE2 I worked on these plane from 1967 to 1969 in squadron VA 83. The good old days with a plane you could actually fix.

I built a whole wing of 1/48 scale A4's when I was a kid. Still a sexy aircraft for me.

Definitely one of my top three favorite Aircraft!

im not crying, you are.... what a plane! i saw them in the Argentina Air Force near my city and make a 1/72 model of an A4E. in love of the plane since then. thank u sir for this gift to the world to enjoy!

@kdrapertrucker

Жыл бұрын

Some of the Argentine A-4s have been modernized by Lockheed- Martin with Afterburning engine, the radar, fly-by-wire control system, and computer from the F-16. These A-4/F-16 hybrids were named "Fighting Hawks"

@Coyote27981

Жыл бұрын

@@kdrapertrucker no, A-4AR doesnt have an afterburner. It does have avionics based on the ones used by the F-16.

I was not in the navy :) ... or even the USA :) but I've always loved these little planes which have outlived almost everything except the C130.

@irondoglocal4333

Жыл бұрын

Or the B-52

I spent my last seven months aboard "The Big I" CVA 62 attached to VMA 324 on a Med cruise. Best Commanding Officer (Lt. Colonel Tom Elder) He signed my first warrant (PFC) and my last warrant (Sergeant). I'll always love the Corps; Semper Fi.

I was an avionics tech for VMA -214 in the late 70s early 80s on these. Was one of my favorite jobs I've ever had.

My father was A technician on the A4-G in the VC-724 squadron of the RAN during the 1980’s, he loves the things and I agree that they are an amazing aircraft

I was a aircrew survival equipmentman in an A4 squadron they were 25 yrs old and could still stand up to F16s with ease. Love the aircraft

@redbaroniii

2 ай бұрын

I was happy to give a 5th of Cutty Sark scotch to the riggers, after punching out of my A4C. How I got the scotch while out at sea must remain a secret.

Modern day equivalent, is probably the Saab Gripen. Although there's no naval option so far.

The scooter was a joy to fly.

In 1962 I was 12y.o., we lived near the airstrip in Kaneohe MCAS Oahu Hawaii. It has always been a cherished memory watching the A4 Skyhawks, and the F8 Crusaders take off and land. Watching these planes takeoff in afterburner in the evening sunset was a thing to remember. Both of these planes have always been my favorites. My dad saw combat during WWII in the South Pacific, Chosin Reservoir Korea, and Viet Nam in the Northern Chu Lai area, I’m sure he welcomed the air support from the A4.

@marktierney2986

Жыл бұрын

Afterburner?

@charlesbranch4120

Жыл бұрын

Afterburners on the F-8E were amazing to watch during an element (pair) takeoff at Kaneohe Bay MCAS at dusk (dark twilight) after fishing the reef pools below the rifle range and MACS-2 domes atop Makapuu Point. @jerelreeves has five years on me, as we lived in Kailua during Dad's tour at Hickam AFB 1965-1968. I was a member of the base NRA Junior Rifle Club those last two years, and I recall Dad driving up the hill to pick me up, saying he'd stopped in at the O Club, "swapping lies" until it was time to get to the range. After Dad's EC-135 tour, came the obvious SEA 16-month tour in C-130s, which gave him the opportunity to meet Capt. Ray Anti, the rifle club coach after landing at Johnston Island to pick up MACS-2 and their deployed equipment. He captured Ray's surprise after calling out, a great photo! (Unfortunately, nobody had called ahead for permission to land the AF aircraft at the MCAS, so they had to pull their equipment off at Hickam AFB and wait for trucks.) A bunch of us kids would lie on our backs near the big intersection to watch the F-8Es practicing their diving runs to the ranges on the point, pulling nearly straight up, over the top, level back to the intersection, and cycle again during an afternoon. The public school day was 8-2, so we had plenty of time left in our day.

I have two favorite "warbirds." One was the B-47, I worked on while a USAF airman. The other I also worked on, as a USN AE3/AO3 was the A-4, as a member of VA-36 Roadrunners, '67-'69. From the biggest bombers, to the smallest bombers.

1970-71 my Scout Master was a navy A-4 pilot who’d served over Vietnam. He had a lot praise for the Skyhawk

The “Skooter” was definitely an iconic and dangerous weapon of war. Even in the post Vietnam era. Just watch what the Argentinians did with them in the Falklands. One of the best air show demonstrations I’ve ever seen was a Marine Corps aviator and his A4 turning and burning. John McCain flew an A4 when he was shot down. There is a memorial A4 with McCains name on display in Oriskany NY which is the carrier McCain flew from.

Loved working with the Skyhawk from 1968 to 1971. Great plane and so durable! U S Navy.

@andrewplantgollum8689

2 жыл бұрын

Cool were you on a Carrier if so what ship ?

@danielmaxon3841

2 жыл бұрын

@@andrewplantgollum8689 yes , Hancock for 9 months, '70-& 71.

@danielmaxon3841

2 жыл бұрын

VA 55 War horses

@andrewplantgollum8689

2 жыл бұрын

@@danielmaxon3841 cool my grandpa was on the Hancock for a bit. VA 144 Roadrunners

Awesome! ... we operated A-4 Skyhawks with our RNZAF.. Thanks✈️👍🇳🇿

@MetalMullisha66

2 жыл бұрын

Just a shame the early 2000's govt decided to retire them and leave us with a not so ideal defence force thats been made worse by every govt since

@somerandomgoogleuser3374

Жыл бұрын

@@MetalMullisha66 They got retired because they were old ass technology that needed massive investment to update them - i.e. not worth it for their age or for our defence budget....

@itchyfeet8695

Жыл бұрын

@@MetalMullisha66 unfortunately we were having to canabalize damaged aircraft to keep others flying. They were a great aircraft but well past their use by date and there was no equivalent replacement available.

@regregan6852

Жыл бұрын

​@@somerandomgoogleuser3374 haha what?? They had already been upgraded under project Kahu, they were not going to be upgraded again because we were supposed to replace them with the leased F-16s from the US. Helen Clark decided we didn't actually need fast jets and retired the A4s and cancelled the F-16s at the same time ending RNZAFs ACF.

In Argentina we have quite a few monuments of the A4 at public parks. Mean machine.

Had the opportunity to be a caretaker of an A-4F at a museum when I was a docent many years ago and also had a chance to work around a flyable TA-4j along with my son and daughter. They thought is was such an amazing "little" aircraft. The owner/pilot allowed the kids to interact with the jet's controls and learn how to operate many of its systems. Nothing like watching your 100lb daughter try to manually pump open the canopy. Haha! Both the kids where simply shocked that it could also carry a tactical nuke. They enjoyed their journey through history until the aircraft moved on to its new owners. The scooter will always be their favorite aircraft.

One of the best aircraft of the USN!

I had the priviledge of experiencing the 720 degree/sec roll rate, during my re-enlistment bonus flight many years ago. On a that flight in a TA-4J, I was given control for a 1g aileron role and a 6+ g windup turn, amongst other amatuer flight manuevers. tooo fun SIR!

As a youngster living near a USN scrapyard, I saw a junked and mangled A-4 sitting there awaiting disposal to a razor blade company. My brother and I tried to talk to mom into letting us buy it and park it in the backyard. That was a solid no-go. lol

@Max-ye9xg

9 ай бұрын

At least you tried to ask to park it in the backyard

My first cruise, 1968-'69, we still had 1 squadron of Skyhawks. I used to think about what they reminded me of. The Skyhawk, with its long landing gear and refueling probe reminded me of a deadly mosquito. The A-6 Intruder was a pregnant guppy. That was even more pronounced with a full bomb load. The F-4J Phantom reminded me of a prize fighter. Those big intakes were the heavily muscled shoulders. The RA-5C Vigilante was just plain speed personified. That was only part of the complement of aircraft that we carried.

My Grandfather worked on these Aircraft on Board the Mighty O (USS Oriskany). He was a Lieutenant Commander Served from July 1947 - January 1972. And was a part of many VA squadrons over the years but his main one was VA-144 Roadrunners.

@luisangeli9208

Жыл бұрын

By the way, la U.S Navy en Vietnam perdió 343 Skyhawks, que eran de la versión más moderna A-4F con electrónica ECM, y siempre con con escolta de F-4C/D Phamtoms...... Republic F-105D Thunderchief, se perdieron 396 aparatos durante la Guerra de Vietnam, tanto por acción de los MIG-17/21, como por la Flak de 37 mm y los misiles SAM-2, (sólo 38 F-105 derribados por SAM)..... pero la BBC de Londres dice que "Argentina envió sus Skyhawks al suicidio en Malvinas", y todo porque se perdieron 14 Skyhawks argentinos en combate, (de un total de 96 A-4B/C)... by the way, la U.S Navy en Vietnam perdió 343 Skyhawks, que eran de la versión más moderna A-4F con electrónica ECM, y siempre con con escolta de F-4C/D Phamtoms......

My father flew 194 combat missions during the Vietnam war. He praised it's ability to carry ordinance and it's ability to outflank enemy fighters. I think it is one of the best warbirds of modern times.

Less than a million dollars a plane. Absolutely crazy considering today’s climate of new planes costing hundreds of millions

@peetky8645

Жыл бұрын

we should send these to ukraine instead of f16. shooting cruise missiles from behind the lines and landing on a highway sounds do-able for this plane.

El gran Scooter que tambien sirvio en la Armada Argentina y en la Fuerza Aerea .que demostro su capacidad en el Conflicto por Malvinas

@YaMomsOyster

2 жыл бұрын

That it did. Those Argentine Pilots got their respect by the Harrier pilots and Brits flying into that conflict.

Love the A-4 Former USAF F-4 crew chief

Gotta love the A4. Beautiful little thing.

@kennethhamilton5633

Жыл бұрын

On board USS INDEPENDENCE VMA-333 a marine light attack squadron and the last one along with the last marine F-4 shipboard fighter squadron. Spent many hours watching the Scooters doing MK-76 dive bombing and strafing on the sled behind the ship when on cruise

They Served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1970 to 1981 when the RAN had the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne. A platform Australia never replaced.

@luarbiasawaras8700

4 ай бұрын

F-35C?

The A4 Skyhawk was a great plane, one of our best ! God bless all of our pilots aircrews and soldiers who have made America what it is ! Great !

Douglas proved that they could build a good aircraft with longevity when they built the DC3/C47.they are still in demand with small air carriers to this day.

Great little plane. Loved watching them zooming around the waters and cliffs of Jervis Bay NSW back in the day when Australia had cat launching aircraft carriers.

@4201productions

Жыл бұрын

what years was that around

@megafauna8374

Жыл бұрын

@@4201productions 60's and 70's until maybe 1980.

I had the opportunity to start one up during my EBAT at NAS Memphis. Maximum power efficiency was rated at 109%. An amazing little plane!

@cynthiasperbeck1368

2 жыл бұрын

My daddy was a wing commander in Memphis in the 60s! I've been trying to get info on him!!Col. W.E.Cooley,he died in a Skyhawk on Nov.5.1966,

@rayclark474

2 ай бұрын

Yea that was a rush, even though it was only at low power. Ever see one at high power when they flip to manual fuel control? Made a BIG bang and fireball...LMAO

I was a radio operator in Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 from 1978 to '79. The A-4 was the workhorse of the 2nd Marine Air Wing at that time.

My late dad ( so miss him ) use to serve on the CVN-65 from the late 50s till her retired in 78...His rating was AEC Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate in which he worked on A4, the F4 Phantoms, and The A7 Corsairs. Our family had a wonderful life while we were in the Navy. So miss those times..

The navy AD or A1 sky raider as it was known was one heck of a flying tank that rained hell over NVA positions. Those spads as they were affectionately known were key to suppressing enemy forces while downed pilots or recon teams could be extracted.

Great telling of its history, thanks mate, love the “little plane”

One of my Favorite Aircraft. A/4 SkyHawk!😎👍🏾

In 1967 I had the front part of my tail blown off my A4B pulling off target and got it back aboard Intrepid no flaps, no hydraulics and the tailcone canted from the AAA hits. No bolter capability. Next day got jumped by 3 MIG 17’s over Haiphong with them starting buried at my 6 and firing. Got in a full circle fur ball and escaped eventually diving for the palm trees jinking at a clean 500+ knots. My lead never got into the fight but got a glancing attempt with 4 Zuni pod before we successfully bugged out. 23 years old and 400 flight hours. Anyone want to guess my favorite airplane ever (I was later the East Coast Hornet CO)?

@mikedrop4421

Жыл бұрын

That's incredible.

@robertnagel3972

Жыл бұрын

I'm going to guess it was the A4 due to the fact that everything I heard about this aircraft was positive. My now deceased father CMD L.D Nagel flew over 194 combat missions in A4's and he praises it's ability to carry ordinance, being able to outflank enemy fighters, ease of maintenance, low cost , and just fun to fly. It's no wonder why the Navy used them over 40 years. My father probably would have enjoyed exchanging Vietnam stories with you. He also flew the A7 but always preferred the A4.

This is an Excellent Video !!! "Semper-Fi"

I was in a U.S. Navy aviation squadron, VAQ-33, 1971-75. It was an ECM squadron ( Electronic Counter-Measures). It trained the fleet how to detect and neutralize and confuse enemy radar. We had four A-4 Skyhawks, four A-3 Skywarriors, and one gorgeous EC-121 Super Constellation. I was a Plane Captain for our A-3's ( actual designation was ERA-3B). I called our A-4's 'mosquitos' because that it what they reminded me of. I didn't know anything about the versatility and ruggedness of our A-4's at the time, other than they were being used in Viet Nam as bombers. Our A-3's were used there also as radar jamming and refueling. It wasn't until the internet that I started finding out more about the A-4, and of course the A-3. I would occasionally tag along with one of the A-4 Plane Captains as they did their daily inspections. Our A-4's seemed to always be leaking hydraulic fluid; the A-4 Plane Captains were always covered in it as well as the guys from the different shops. I am glad that our A-3's didn't leak fluids like that...!!

@marbleman52

2 жыл бұрын

@Randall Shughart I should have mentioned that our squadron did not deploy, we were strictly land based. We would go to other bases for exercises such as Cecil Field, Fla., Miramar, Cal., Roosy Roads Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Canada, and of course exercises from our permanent land base, N.A.S., Norfolk, Va.

@navveteran9944

2 жыл бұрын

I was told in plane captain that to check the servicing of hydraulic systems on the bird was to assess the size and location of all the puddles under the bird and you could tell the servicing, then while it was in the air you took the barrel of speedy dry out and did a reset by doing the Fallon shuffle dance.

@marbleman52

2 жыл бұрын

@@navveteran9944 Yes, that sounds about right..!!

I remember watching these things all the time growing up when we had the A4 fleet here in New Zealand. Think it was late 90's that they were retired here as the A4K.

@Manawatu_Al2844

Жыл бұрын

2001, if from memory. And then Helen Clark scrapped our ACF, as well as the deal to acquire the F-16s at a steal of a price.

@kiwidiesel

Жыл бұрын

@@Manawatu_Al2844 A fellow manawatu resident I suspect? Yes the cancel of the F 16 deal and the retirement of the skyhawks just after we had just spent millions on them with the Kahu upgrade making their avionics state of the art was a sad time for our airforce, or since that time we can only be referred to as a defence force now with no strike capability anymore. But since Aunty Helen and now Aunty Jacinda I have little faith in female leaders for our country anymore. They sell us out every which way they can and still do. Three waters is a case in point. No public say just government do. Welcome to the dictatorship of NZ.

@4201productions

Жыл бұрын

the skyhawks you kiwis would have got would ahve been worked on by my dad when they were A4-Gs in Australia

@kiwidiesel

Жыл бұрын

@@4201productions Probably a true statement as we did aquire them from you. They not doing much other than sitting in storage now I believe, issues with selling them to just anyone after you upgrade something to be able to deliver the really bad weapons.

@davidtaylor351

Жыл бұрын

@@4201productions The original NZ Skyhawks were bought new from McDonnell Douglas in 1970. The ex Australian ones were from the late 60s. They were purchased by NZ in the mid 80s. Following the scrapping of the carrier HMAS Melbourne. Then both the original NZ, and ex Aust Skyhawks were rebuilt and upgraded in NZ. Under "Project Kahu". Kahu being a Maori word for Hawk. Cheers.

This is a Great Documentary!

What a fascinating aircraft

Luckily I was able to see the A-4 Blue Angels twice. Cheap, reliable and effective this cute little bomber very nearly sent the Royal Navy packing in the Falklands.

The A4 was and still is one of the greatest planes. Specially for developing countries like the Philippines. We still have a few variants flying in our PAF.

The Skypig (as my Gunny called it) was a damn good, solid, hard-working, and effective light attack aircraft in its day. Our pilots uniformly loved it for its agility and quickness. (Parenthetical digression on "Quickness"versus "Speed": as one of my officers explained it to me, it may not break Mach 1, but it'll change states - faster or slower - than most of the fighters in the opposition. Like the difference between an MGB versus an old-school Camaro... the Camaro will blow away the MGB on the flats, but get them on a narrow, winding, mountain road, and guess which one rewards a smart driver more...) Our mechs and techs had more of a love-hate relationship with it. It had some quirks, but you could generally keep it, if not Optimum Performance Capable, then at least Full Mission Capable. Even if not FMC, you could at least keep it flying and dropping bombs, as long as it would start and taxi. For Ordnance, the biggest PITA for us was the Mk 12 gun. Electrically fired, with a pneumatically driven feed and buffer system... damn things would blow a seal on the air lines if you looked at them wrong... Bombs, rockets, missiles, all day long, but guns, not so much. Wish NavAir would have retrofitted something more reliable.

The most elegant aeroplane the USN ever put into the air!

When I was in VA-127, the Blue Angels took six of our best aircraft, leaving with six real dogs. In fact, if anybody in the USN or USMC had a real dog of an A-4F, they got our best and we had no choice but to take their dog.

@navveteran9944

2 жыл бұрын

When I was in VA127 the total was TA4Js and, then a marine colonel brought us an A4f and landed it on just the drop tanks

I probably seen this documentary a good 10 times and I'm saying that as a good thing

The 1950's was an amazing period in aviation design with examples from both the east and west going from drafting table to the sky in numbers never to be seen again.

Love the old planes Skyhawk, Phantom and Intruder.

Excellent documentary. But it is totally unfair to call the Argentine pilots' missions in the Falklands/Malvinas "suicidal". They were of very high risk, but no more than many carried out by the RAF during WWII, for example. And also demonstrated the high quality of the Argentine pilots.

@raistlinmajere4659

2 жыл бұрын

I believe it could be called suicidal because their a-4s we're in poor repair and lacked some armaments. They were not up to even Argentina's standards, yet they deployed them against the RAF. sorta suicidal

@oceanhome2023

2 жыл бұрын

They were used in the Falkland’s War against the RN Harriers whose carriers were strategically located just out of the range of the SkyHawks in mid Atlantic . The Harriers carried the latest USN Sidewinders which downed the Skyhawks unseen . The Chilean Radar gave the warning of them to the Brits that they were coming as soon as their wheels left the ground in Argentina. Lots of warning ! They were able to have very successful attacks on the Faulklands and on the RN . It showed that the Argys were brave and GOOD ! This video shows what ALMOST happened using Skyhawks from the Argys aircraft carriers and the Royal Navy was VERY lucky kzread.info/dash/bejne/d6qqrtp8YdXcorQ.html

@Twirlyhead

Жыл бұрын

@@oceanhome2023 ou typed "The Harriers carried the latest USN Sidewinders which downed the Skyhawks unseen". What ?! Sidewinder is a short range missile not BVR and the British harriers were deploying them as heatseekers.

@tacticaldatatactical

Жыл бұрын

@@raistlinmajere4659 haha thats its true but we as argentinians we are used to face challenges with less than others

@luisangeli9208

Жыл бұрын

@@oceanhome2023 By the way, la U.S Navy en Vietnam perdió 343 Skyhawks, que eran de la versión más moderna A-4F con electrónica ECM, y siempre con con escolta de F-4C/D Phamtoms...... Republic F-105D Thunderchief, se perdieron 396 aparatos durante la Guerra de Vietnam, tanto por acción de los MIG-17/21, como por la Flak de 37 mm y los misiles SAM-2, (sólo 38 F-105 derribados por SAM)..... pero la BBC de Londres dice que "Argentina envió sus Skyhawks al suicidio en Malvinas", y todo porque se perdieron 14 Skyhawks argentinos en combate, (de un total de 96 A-4B/C)... by the way, la U.S Navy en Vietnam perdió 343 Skyhawks, que eran de la versión más moderna A-4F con electrónica ECM, y siempre con con escolta de F-4C/D Phamtoms......

I really liked the Documentary. It is a very loved plane in Argentina. Unfortunately the Documentary shows absolutely nothing about the use in combat by the Israeli Air Force. Nor does he make any mention of...perhaps its best moment in history. The air attacks in the Malvinas War on one of the most modern War Fleets in the World.!!. An outdated plane for the 80s that nevertheless gave excellent results in the hands of the Navy and the Argentine Air Force's pilots. There is a US TV Documentary... titled in Spanish. MALVINAS LA GUERRA DESDE EL AIRE, that Unfortunately there are no subtitles in English, I recommend you, at least, watch the videos of the Sky Hawks flying at the level of the water, avoiding the anti-aircraft defenses while the sea water splashed the windshields of the fighters. Trust me, it was amazing and that American machine more than accomplished its missions!! I send you. A hug from Argentina.🇦🇷

Such a great little plane. Definitely like the versions without the humpback.

@kennethhamilton5633

Жыл бұрын

Naaah, M's were my fav

A dated but charming documentary. Thumbs up! Makes me want to learn the DCS A-4 community module better.

I'll tell you a funny thing I use flight radar 24 quite a lot and last year I saw a skyrader flying around over Holland which at first I thought was a typhoon in fact I saw it a couple of times afterwards so presumably it's a private owned one.

"266 Skyhawks were lost in combat" the staggering number of aircraft and crews lost in Vietnam were crazy by modern standards.

@shadeburst

Жыл бұрын

Like the Thuds the A4s did SEAD Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, always a very dangerous role. Every time just when they had it fixed Johnson called a cease fire and negotiations and the North Vietnamese had a chance to rebuild their air defenses.

@shadeburst

Жыл бұрын

Like the Thuds the A4s did SEAD Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, always a very dangerous role. Every time just when they had it fixed Johnson called a cease fire and negotiations and the North Vietnamese had a chance to rebuild their air defenses.

I'd still like to do an EDF R/C Skyhawk, always loved the smooth pigeon.

I worked on A-4F's at NAS Cecil Field , MAG-42 Det. A Jacksonville Fla. 1981-1983. It was a great Aircraft except I thought is was a pain in the ass to work on. Not a lot of room in the engine bay. Of course you know how mechanics are. Of course as Marine mechanic assigned to a Squadron, you learn how to work on everything due to personnel shortages.

@rayclark474

2 ай бұрын

They were called "hell hole" for a reason. A4M, TA/OA PC 85-92

Incredible original design. 😎

It's crazy when you're standing next to one and see how high off the deck the cockpit is.

Great Docu.

I was aboard the USS Ranger CV-61 for 3 years 1973-1976. You learn to love those ships.

I adore the Skyhawk had a scale model of one it’s my fav plane

First aircraft I had to learn as a 16R (Short Range Gunnery Crewman) Vulcan ADA weapon system, Ft Bliss, Texas summer of 1980. I can still hear the instructor's voice using the WEFT (Wings, Engine, Fuselages and Tail) method to teach us how to recognize aircraft.

We had the A4Skyhawk on the H. M. A. S Melbourne, until the accident with the ferry H. M. A. S. Kuttabull, & I thought it was an awesome aircraft, & I saw them regularly flying with the F111 swing wing jet aircraft.

It was also a A-4 that was involved in one of the most famous aviation accidents in Modern Military History when an Israeli F-15 collided with a Israeli A-4. The A-4 was lost but the F-15 managed to make it back to base with only 1 wing. The F-15 Pilot didn't even realize he lost a wing.

Worked on the A-4 at NARF Jax, one major AFC we did was convert A-4L's to A-4M (humpback). We also did electrical components overhaul for the The Blue Angels a/c.

@chadneuendorf9431

Жыл бұрын

Gators right ?

its a small ,little known MULTI ROLE combat aircraft ,but one of my favorite

Fantastic channel.

I was a qualified Plane Captain, Mechanic, CDQAR and sometimes backseater for my Captain on cross countries in the TA-4J

@rayclark474

2 ай бұрын

One of the lucky ones, we had 1 or 2 guys in my squadron who were backseat qualified.

As an ex-C-5A Galaxy Crew Chief - in the mid-70's, I have known of the A-4 seems like my whole life - didn't know it was older than I am ...

My dad, maintenance chief and later a CWO4 as maintenance officer. His squadron of A4 Skyhawks, VA 22 FIGHTING RED COCKS and VA155 the SILVER FOX. A4 is badass but wasn’t a F4 phantom . Skyhawks are badass.

@kinkane5566

2 жыл бұрын

We're grateful for your father's service, thanks to him!

@maggiebruder2103

2 жыл бұрын

Hi James, My father was the commander of VA155 SilverFox's in 1967 when we lost him in a tragic accident on the Coral Sea. I wonder if your father knew him?

@wlfent1

2 жыл бұрын

wow mention of A4 Skyhawks and VA22 FIGHTING REDCOCKS! I was an AME on the Midway and Coral Sea. Sad not much about the Fighting Redcocks on line. And NO pictures or video.

Love the Douglas company.

Before the designation unification, this was the fourth (A4D) and final Douglas attack aircraft, the first being the AD Skyraider, A2D Skyshark, A3D Skywarrior.

I also was an A6 mechanic in VA-35 love the bombers

Wow, I did not know the A-4 was that long lived an aircraft. As a young boy in the 60's I built the Revell model of the USS Forrestal Aircraft Carrier. I remember many of the aircraft were the small A-4 Skyhawks.

My father was in VA-93 when I was a kid in California. I got to go to the hanger and I sat in a couple of them.

After the Australian Navy decommissioned it's only carrier the Skyhawks were sold to New Zealand and then had to lease them back because the new F18s were to be flown to Australia and there was no other inflight refuelling aircraft available .

Great airplane worked with the e model then the c model from 1973 - 1976 USMC

I WORKED ONTHE J52-P6 & P8 ENGINES THAT WERE USED IN THE A4 & A6, GREAT ENGINE, LOTS OF THRUST, EASY TO WORK ON AND VERY RELIABLE. NAVAL AIR REWORK FACILITY ALAMEDA CLOSED IN 1997. I WAS A TEST CEL OPERATOR AND JOURNEYMAN ENGINE MECHANIC

Just after WW II at the start of the jet age, a naval version of the Sabre jet was made. It was the N American "Fury" Perormance was not satisfactory . There were many other carrier planes of varied performance. Many pilots were in love with the F-4 Phanttom. The need for a high perfornance small plane was answered by A-4, Skyhawk, a small versatile subsonic with a large payload for its size, was chosen and served well.

I was a parachute rigger in the 70 squardon in Texas vt 21 I loved those planes

2022 and the scooter lives on !

My dad flew the Charlie in Vietnam out of Chu Li and Fa Nang. He LOVED the scooter.