A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk

A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk. Shea Field Memorial Grove. On June 12, 1952, the U.S. Navy contracted with Douglas Aircraft Company to build one prototype XA4D-1 Skyhawk attack aircraft. Before delivery of the A4D to fleet units, an improved version, the A4D-2 was ordered into production. This Skyhawk (Bureau Number 142940) was flown from Naval Air Station South Weymouth by Marine and Navy Reserve Attack squadrons through much of the 1960’s. It was one of 542 of the “B” version (designations were changed in the 1960’s) to roll off the assembly line starting in 1956. A total of 2,960 of the many versions of the A4 were built. , This Skyhawk was accepted into service Nov. 25, 1958 and assigned to Marine Attack Squadron VMA 311, in El Toro, CA. Fleet Refurbishment, Quonset Point RI received the aircraft July 18, 1965, overhauled it, then assigned it to NAS South Weymouth Sept. 24, 1965 where it was based until Feb. 1, 1971. It was stricken from Navy inventory on April 30, 1971 and then assigned to the Naval Air Technical Training Center. In 1981, Captain Ray Demming (a former Reserve squadron Commanding Officer) arranged for the assignment and transport of 1429240 to NAS SoWey for use as a display aircraft. In August 1997 it took its place here in the Shea Field Memorial Grove., The A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk airframe is 38’ long with a wing span of only 27.5’, which obviated the need for the heavy and expensive wing fold system normally found in carrier based aircraft. Though empty weight was only 9,146 lbs.. its maximum takeoff weight was 22,500 lbs. Powered by a Wright J65 turbojet engine, its maximum level speed was 660 mph., Pilots called the Skyhawk: Heinemann’s (the designer) Hot Rod”, “Scooter” and ”The Tinkertoy”. It enjoyed the longest production run of any tactical aircraft in the history of aviation, about 25 years! First flown in 1954, it was finally retired from U.S. Navy active service in 2003. Although early versions were designed to deliver carrier based nuclear weapons, the Skyhawk ultimately found primary use in close air support, interdiction and training, and is still in use in some foreign countries. Its contribution during the conflict in South Asia is well documented. Top Gun instructors flying later versions could beat any aircraft flown against them. The Blue Angels flew the Skyhawk for twelve years., For more information on the aircraft and its designer, visit www.Skyhawk.org.