Douglas A-4N Skyhawk

The A-4 Skyhawk was developed during the early 1950s as a small light strike jet to operate from the aircraft carriers of the US Navy. Despite its small size the Skyhawk could carry a heavy payload which was on par with that carried by the B-17 Flying Fortress during the Second World War. The Skyhawk has seen significant combat service during the Vietnam War, numerous wars in the Middle East where it was flown by Israel and during the Falklands War where they were credited with the sinking of HMS Coventry and HMS Ardent. Today, the Skyhawk remains in service with the Argentine Air Force and Brazilian Navy.

The role of the Skyhawk as an aggressor aircraft was made famous by the original Top Gun movie where the instructors all flew the aircraft whilst it was in service with the US Navy. Today, the Skyhawk in civilian hands has remained effective and a number of companies hold contracts with NATO nations to provide aggressor services using the type.

Top Aces will be providing one of their Skyhawks which are currently based in Germany for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo.

Photo Credit: Aviation Photocrew