Douglas A-4E Skyhawk

USN VA-43 Challengers, NAS Oceana, VA, 1975

Hobby Master 1:72 HA1442

In 1975, U.S. Navy Fighter Squadron 43 (VF-43), based at NAS Oceana, operated the A-4E Skyhawk in the adversary training role. Originally a fleet attack aircraft, the agile and compact A-4E was ideal for simulating Soviet-style tactics during dissimilar air combat training (DACT). VF-43 provided essential training to fleet squadrons, helping them prepare for real-world air-to-air combat scenarios. The squadron's Skyhawks were often painted in camouflage schemes to mimic potential adversaries. VF-43 played a critical role in sharpening the air combat skills of U.S. Navy pilots during the Cold War, contributing to the development of the Navy's Topgun program.

Douglas A-4E 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.