Douglas A-4M Skyhawk

USMC VMA-214 Black Sheep, WE01

MCAS Yuma, AZ, 1989

Hobby Master 1:72 HA1436

The USMC wanted an attack aircraft that could provide close air support and could operate from short airfields close to the front lines. The McDonnell Douglas A-4M was designed specifically for the Marine requirements and was chosen over the Ling-Temco Vought A-7. The new A-4M engine was an updated version of the J52 that was rated at 11,200 lb.s.t. This was a huge 20 percent increase in power with only a 1 percent increase in the engines weight. Douglas also added smokeless burner cans to reduce the amount of visible exhaust and all this was done without increasing fuel consumption. A new electrical power generator provided 60 percent more energy so a self-contained engine starter was added.The pilot was given a larger canopy that was three inches wider and greatly increased his all round view. A drag chute was provided to help with landing on short airstrips. A new re-fueling probe that was canted out was added so it wouldn't interfere with the target-acquisition system. A new IFF antenna was needed so the A-4M tail was squared off. The new M model first flew on April 10, 1970 and the last A-4 was accepted on February 27 1979. After 27 years of producing the Skyhawk this made it the longest production run of any U.S. tactical aircraft up to that date. The total production of the A-4M variant was 160 aircraft.

Douglas A-4M Skyhawk

Designed to replace the antiquated, propeller-driven AD Skyraider, the A-4 Skyhawk was first flown on June 22, 1954. Douglas exceeded the original design requirements by delivering a carrier-capable aircraft that was only half the Navy's weight specification and so compact that it did not need folding wings. The A-4 was the first to use "buddy" air-to-air refueling (an A-4 could refuel other aircraft of the same type), which was helpful when operating in remote locations where dedicated tankers were impractical. The A-4 served the US Navy until 2003 and remained the preferred warplane for the Marine Corps until the 1980s, even after the introduction of the A-7 Corsair II.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.