A-4F Skyhawk II | A-4M Skyhawk II |
Available to NATO forces, the A-4 Skyhawk is an American ground attack aircraft.
History[]
Developed in the early 1950s, the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk was originally designated the A4D. It was developed as a lightweight, daylight only nuclear capable strike aircraft for use in large numbers from aircraft carriers. It is notable for being able to carry almost the aircraft's empty weight in armaments (9,900lb of armaments vs. 10,450lb empty weight). The A-4F is a product improved variant of the A-4, featuring a more powerful Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8A turbofan, generating 2100lbs more thrust than the Wright J65 that powered the A-4A, and carries extra avionics in a humped dorsal fairing behind the cockpit.
These were used in VA squadrons in the Navy and VMA Squadrons in the USMC.
Overview[]
AirLand Battle[]
The A-4F is an inexpensive strike aircraft available to NATO decks. It carries two 20mm cannons and eight 127mm Zuni rockets. It has no ECM, no AAM compliment, and is not particularly fast, topping out at 600km/h, leaving it vulnerable to both enemy fighters and anti-aircraft artillery. Nonetheless, the A-4F's rockets make the plane an effective close air support platform, especially against lightly armored vehicles and infantry. It is able to attack helicopters with its two Colt Mk. 12 cannons, and can use the same for some level of defense against enemy fighters.
Red Dragon[]
The A-4F in Wargame: Red Dragon is an inexpensive strike aircraft available to NATO decks. Replacing the Zuni rockets are four 227kg Mk. 82 free-fall bombs. The A-4F still does not carry ECM, leaving it vulnerable to long range SAMs and AAMs. At 45 points per plane, however, the A-4F is a good light strike platform for targeting lightly armored vehicles or infantry.