The carrier-capable Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is one of the most successful modern combat aircraft. During the 25 years in which the A-4 was on the production line, 2,960 were built. A relatively light aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of 24,500 pounds and with a top speed exceeding 600 mph, the Skyhawk was operated by the US Navy and Marines and the air forces of Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Malaysia, Argentina, Singapore, Brazil, Indonesia, and Kuwait. Introduced in 1956, Skyhawks played major roles in Vietnam, the ...
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The carrier-capable Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is one of the most successful modern combat aircraft. During the 25 years in which the A-4 was on the production line, 2,960 were built. A relatively light aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of 24,500 pounds and with a top speed exceeding 600 mph, the Skyhawk was operated by the US Navy and Marines and the air forces of Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Malaysia, Argentina, Singapore, Brazil, Indonesia, and Kuwait. Introduced in 1956, Skyhawks played major roles in Vietnam, the 1973 Arab-Israeli October War, and the Falklands/Malvinas Conflict in 1982. With a reputation for toughness and agility, Skyhawks remained a part of the US arsenal for nearly half a century; the US Navy retired the A-4 as recently as 2003. Meanwhile, the battle-tested warrior continues to serve today with other militaries around the world.
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