A-4 Skyhawk | A living legend 

VERY Cool!! This could be the ultimate, consummate, be-all, go-to vid for the Skyhawk. LOTS of stuff I did not know (and this is my favorite airplane!!). Comment section great also - lots of appreciative and gracious comments (I scanned a bunch before the vid to preview accuracy/content and leaped right in after just a few).

My squadron flew the A-4E and F Skyhawk models during my 4 year Navy enlistment (1966-70). During that period, we endured 3 eight month cruises to SE Asia, but now, over 50 years later, I remember it as the time of my life! Our little scooters were (mostly) bullet proof and could easily withstand the impatience and occasional imperfect and rough treatment meted out through our 19 YO hands. Her thick, spacious Douglass delta wings also made a great spot to get horizontal when we had time. AO2, USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) & USS Oriskany (CVA-34), VA-192 Golden Dragons.

The Royal Zealand Air Force had A4 Skyhawks as its strike force for over 20 years. It was used in joint air-naval exercises as Red force as anti-ship force eg against the RAN and virtually always got through the defences. It was professionally flown and superbly maintained well beyond its anticipated service longevity. It was updated with replacement air frames as required. It was further massively upgraded with avionics comparable to F-15 and F-16 etc. It was disbanded by the fifth Labour government in the 80s in the teeth of widespread vehement public and expert opposition. They ended up being put up for sale on the global market but we’re mothballed as the US Government vetoed their sale as it did want the sophisticated avionics falling into adversaries’ hands. The RNZAF actually flew a flight from New Zealand via Hawaii without landing using airborne refuelling. The best ever video of Skyhawks is the last flight of the squadron the length of New Zealand 🇳🇿 a distance of well over a thousand miles including criss crossing towns and cities. Not few tears were shed, but many - and not just by air and ground crew. In effect, that Labour Party government and especially its Defence Minister Hodgson succeeded in doing what the Luftwaffe and Imperial Army and Navy Air Forces failed to do - the destruction of one of the finest air strike forces in the world. Some of the Skyhawks were eventually sold to the Draken private air force. The Draken Skyhawk shown in this video the Kiwi symbol can be seen on the fuselage air brake flap.

Great documentary on the A-4! I could smell the burnt fuel wafting into the back seat of our TA-4J's open cockpit, hot sun cooking the sweaty leather on the Nomex gloves as we taxied out of the VA-127 flight line to fly chase for a practice nuclear nav student. Think 500kt 50 feet off the sagebrush. This vid brought it all back in a rush though it was almost 50 years ago. Damn.

In the 1960s, when Dobbins AFB and NAS in Marietta, GA had the A-4s in their inventories, my home on our family farm was under their training flight path. It was absolutely incredible to watch them come over just a few hundred feet off the ground. Despite their speed, I could clearly make out the pilots at the controls and the colors on their helmets. In elementary school the A-4s and other jets would continue from our farm straight over my classroom, still only a few hundred feet off the ground. Many years later, while talking to a pilot from that era, he said, "So that was your school we were bombing? I always wondered how it looked and sounded from the ground. I had a camera rolling and could move on to my next phase of training when I had a certain number of bombs hitting that school." I was able to tell him the sound was deafening and the glass in all the windows rattled and shook violently. Even though it disrupted class for several minutes, I couldn't wait for the next A-4 Skyhawk to come over!

A friend of mine was shot down over Vietnam in one of these. He lived to tell the tale. He was a fairly big man, and I always wondered how he fit into that little bitty airplane.

I was an ADJ in the early 70s on loved the A-4 Skyhawk. We had the TA-4J and as a maintainer was able the get a lot of time in the back seat for maintenance check rides. Some of my best memories in my entire Naval career. As an enlisted guy I was able to get a lot of stick time while flying with our Maintenance Officer. BZ

The USN wanted to replace the Skyraider. However, the Skyraider wound up being irreplaceable to the USAF in Vietnam, after they took on the Skyraiders the navy no longer needed. Still, the long period of service by the A-4 Skyhawk is incredible.

Retired Marine Master Gunny here. Worked as J52 mech (P6, P8, & P408) on A-4s (and at the Intermediate Maintenance level on P-8B's 1975-76) from 1973-1985 when I moved over to A-6E/EA-6B (same engine). During that time, it addition to being low & high power turn-up qualified, I was also certified to taxi (something you never see anymore for ground crew in the military) and for 3 years I was certified to ride back seat in TA-4s. This is by far the best A-4 video I've seen; very well done. I only spotted a few items that were in need of either correction or clarification. I won't even slam the narrator for saying Marine Corpse, since even Barack Obama once said "Corpse-man" when speaking about a Navy Corpsman. At about the 10:30 mark, while discussing starting units, he states later models allowed for starting air to go 'directly to the engine' which is not exactly accurate. Where the air was directed was to a main engine gearbox-mounted air turbine starter which spun the engine #2 compressor for starting. He also does not mention the on-board starting unit used on the A-4M, the JFS100-34, which was mounted where the air turbine starter is on earlier models. The JFS100-34 was itself started via hydraulic accumulator pressurized by dedicated high pressure nitrogen bottle. It had, I believe, a maximum duty cycle of 2 minutes, so was not intended to be an APU-like unit. I'm not familiar with the variations with the stated 'DC starting motor and batteries'; I'm assuming this was on the export versions to Israel, New Zealand, Argentina, etc. At about 22:20, the aircraft shown is taxiing to the runway with spoilers extended. This was not S.O.P. for Navy/Marine Corps flight ops back in the day. Spoiler operation was verified during post-start ground checks (at sequence in checks along with speedbrakes and tailhook), but was then de-selected for taxi. I don't recall if they were routinely armed for take-off, although they could be, so as to automatically deploy for an aborted take-off. At about 24:35, reference is made to the upper, tail-mounted electronics pod, commonly referred to as the "hot dog" for obvious reasons. In addition to the A-4M, that pod was also on late models of the A4-F (circa >mid-'70s) , which also was the first version to have the powerful J52-P-408 engine, albeit without the JFS100-34 starter; they still used the air turbine starter. This variant was sometime referred to as the "Super Fox" and was the one used by the Blue Angels. For the Angels, both the "hot dog" and the upper fuselage avionics hump were removed for better aerodynamics and weight savings. The leading-edge slats were also permanently bolted in the up/closed position. At the 24:49 mark, I believe that is the UHF antennae, not VHF. This A-4M would have had both, but I think the VHF antenna was the smaller of the two. Earlier models were UHF only.

Thank you, sir! Falls in line with Wild Weasel, and the A-10....Not expected to outperform till this day! Those we're good times..

ALLWAYS LOVED this fighter - Made a 1/72 Revell model kit when I was 9 .

I had a tour of the MCD Skyhawk line in 1974. A very simple a/c to construct. Apparently the wing was able to handle huge amounts of groundfire. Note the bent refueling probe. The NZ Airforce invented this after some turbulence issues when buddy refueling. Most users worldwide adopted this mod as did MCD. Recommend the Ed Heinemann book with a great chapter on the A4. I love the way they designed (in a rush) the extra fairing for the tailpipe after some issues in the first test flight. They used an office rubbish bin as a template, it worked so the kept the shape. Thanks for the video. Easy to understand the commentary.

A very interesting walk-through on the A4. Thank you!!

Nice to hear positive pilot reviews on two classic naval attack aircraft; the A4 Skyhawk and the A7 Corsair 2. They "look right", little as that idea applies to practical aerodynamics.

I grew up seeing the Skyhawk in many fighter jet books that my mom had bought for me. I've always loved it. Thanks for this vid.

In the Marine reserves I worked in avionics on these from 1966 in Norfolk, VA, (VMA-233), and then in Alameda, CA (VMA-133) from 1967 to 1972. It was a tough little bird and fairly easy avionics maintenance on the early models ( maintenance was basically "black box"; i.e. see what the the pilot's after flight report said was broken. verify that was the case, swap out the broken system "box", verify the system was now working and button it up). In those days all the electronics' systems still used vacuum tubes (really!) and were remarkably resilient! Thanks for the video!

I used to work on A-4Ms and TA-4's. Both used the J52 engine, which did not dump oil overboard. When I saw a privately owned A-4C fly at an airshow, the streams of oil vapors visible at take-off really surprised me! It was definitely not what I was accustomed to seeing, but it was certainly great to see a Skyhawk flying again!

My father was in VA-93. I would go to the hangar with him and sat in an A-4 as a small kid. It was so cool being down there. The squadron is gone now but so many memories. We moved to NATC pax river after that.

I saw the Blue Angels back in 75, and the A-4 was fun to watch...

The A-4 is among the underappreciated aircraft (like the S-3). I am fortunate to have gotten to see the Blue Angels A-4's a few times before transitioning to the F-18. Great video

Well since I worked on it for 20 years in the USAF the F-16 C/D or CG/DG models will always be my favorite fighter.

Growing up in New Zealand, as a kid our mighty air force had the Vampire, which was replaced by the Skyhawk. It was a real thrill when one landed at our airport. I think the scooter was NZ's last jet fighter.

Awesome! ...we had Skyhawk planes with our RNZAF they ended up with Draken International ..Thanks from NZ ✈️👍🇳🇿

Thank you for videos like this. As a pilot myself, I prefer documentary productions that have more details and inferences that matter to my way of thinking and experience. Well done!

New Zealand Airforce was the first to do an aerobatic manoeuvre with the trailing aircraft plugged in. I still remember the days when I was serving at RNZAF base Ohakea when the first of the A4s arrived. The first aircraft had to deploy its R.A.T due to a hydraulic problem. Great excitement all round. The RNZAF SKY HAWK fleet was increased with the purchase of Royal Australian Navy versions. The sad part was when our then not very popular Aunty Helen the Prime Minister declared they were clapped out and the aircraft with drawn and squadron was disbanded. Even tho the Aircraft went thru a very extensive modernisation rebuild before Aunty had a brain fart. Many personal lost their career. Some A4s were used as museum displays around New Zealand. Draken did purchase some aircraft and were used very successfully as opponent aircraft at a USAF training base. It was only last week that the ever so faithful scooter was no longer suitable as an opponent for the up and coming new age fighters. 😟

Really nice video, lovely details about this machine!

Thank you, really enjoyed your presentation and learnt a lot about the Aircraft.

You describe as if if you designed all of these machines. Thank you every single you have made for for the world has given inspiration for future design and artistic inspiration . Thank you giving every part of technological advancements in all of your postings. This exposure lets new minds make advances in future technology AND DREAMS become reality

Magnar, this is absolutely top notch aviation content! Watched your MiG video yesterday. I can't understand why you are below 10 000 subs. I predict this will change. I for sure will advertise your channel to all my fellow avgeeks!

Nicely put together. Australian Navy flew these as I remember watching them land on our carrier waving to us as they lined up on final when we had the role of rescue destroyer.

i was in the air force in 1979....a crew chief on an F-106 delta dart...i saw lots of A-4's....been under them....cool plane....i watched a Vietnam strike film.....an A-4 approaches a river...with a bridge....packed with trucks and people moving across the bridge....obviously VC.....the A-4....flips....upside down.....travels under the bridge....sprays the bridge....while upside down.........and as soon as he reaches the other side.....flips right side up....and leaves.....what a cool display of craziness on the pilots part......love that little plane

I love this aircraft a lot it’s my most favorite after the A-1 Skyraiders

Thank you so much for this video. I remember very clearly going to the mid 1980's Navy airshows with the A-4 Skyhawk and being absolutely blown away by how agile that aircraft was with the Blue Angles. In fact, I though for many years that General Dynamics secretly designed the F-16 in great part from the A--4.

Very informative, Magnar! Looking forward to more videos of the series :-)

I worked on the A-4M, TA-4J and the OA-4 in the Marine Corps. Awesome airplane!!

Thx for this. My favourite plane to fly. Virtually, of course. Old enough to not have to learn the awful programming of the 80s (the Hornet and Viper for example) where usability hadn’t been invented but modern enough to be real fun to fly.

Can't wait for another old warbirds history from you, thanks a lot sir 🍻

Thank you for the video! Enjoyed all the way through. Very thorough!

Thank you, I learned a lot of things today

It managed to accomplish its dream It is Argentina main fighter jet, now known as A-4AR Fightinghawk, or well just a Subsonic F-16.

Magnar kicks ass.!

Very well done. I have about 600 hours in the TA-4J in the early 80's and this video brought back many wonderful memories.

I was stationed at NAS Kingsville, TX from 1983 to 1990 as an Air Traffic Controller becoming a fully qualified Facility Watch Supervisor at the (all) militaries busiest approach control, and those numbers were led by TA-4 and the initial jet trainers, the T-2. This video brought back many great memories watching the Scooter's, the Panthers, the AF T-38's, Navy T-45's. So many Great airplanes. Thanks P.S.-the previous 3 years I had been stationed aboard the USS Lexington, AVT-16, the Blue Ghost of WWII, working what? TA-4's and T-2's. Eleven Great years of training controllers and pilots. Thank you God...

Why in English-language documentaries does nobody mention the MOST GLORIOUS AND HEROIC moment of this excellent American-made aircraft? I am referring to the impressive air-naval attacks carried out at sea level against the British Fleet in the War for the Malvinas Islands. There is an excellent American TV Documentary for Latin America about the A4... Guerra Aerea en Malvinas... I think you should watch it, you would be proud of this formidable plane from the 50's piercing one of the best anti-aircraft defenses of the 80's. When the journalist asked an Argentine pilot, how low were they flying? He replied... well, until your ass wrinkled. Greetings from Argentina🇦🇷

Very nice video explaining the A4 scooter. Thumbs-up 👍

Utmerket video, kaptein! The scooter was a wonderful aircraft for many many reasons.

Interesting. What an amazing aircraft !

Amazing thank you do not stop with this education for humanity and technology

Your walk around is fantastic! So much I didn't know about.

Awesomely interesting presentation. I grew up on NAS Alameda, where the A-4 refurbishment was located. I loved watching them fly over the house, as I flew my models below. Btw, your choice of soundtrack fits nice. More please?

When I was in the USMC I got to work with the A-4J, M and the TA-4J variations of the Skyhawks I was with the TACP ( Tactial Air Control Party ) for 1st of the 5th Marines.

Great video & commentary as always Magnar. A very interesting aircraft!

Love the military aircraft videos...keep up the good work!

Brilliant and beautiful aircraft. Used by the Royal Australian Navy. No better close air support aircraft.

Very well done video. Most informative.

please do a video on the F5 !! it has to be my favourite jet of all time.

Excellent very thorough presentation

A very well done video about a great plane. Thanks for making it.

Excellent presentation. Could listen to you all night.

Great Doco, do you know about the "KAHU" upgrade that the RNZAF did to the Skyhawks, there is a book by Don Simms called the RNZAF Skyhawks. NZ no longer has a fighter wing, due to cutbacks in our military our aircraft went to Draken, they still have the Kiwi Logo on the fuselage.

Brilliant presentation. Well done.

That's why I liked the Boeing Joint strike fighter prototype, it reminded me very much of the A-4 with that one piece wing.

Well done, great video. Thanks

What a great video from a believable perspective

A great plane. It is still flying! Let’s get red of the 35 and build new Skyhawks. You can get a hundred for one 35.

Excellent video

Very interesting! Thank you! :)

*_THHHHHHHISSSS_* is a 1954 Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Magnar is going to give you a tour of the Skyhawk, showing you all of its quirks and features, and then he's gonna get it in the sky to see how it flies, and then he's gonna give it a Magnar score.

Great Stuff!

Great video, Magnar! I have two favorites aboard ... one military and one civilian. The military favorite is the Super Tomcat and the civilian favorite is the A-12 Archangel. Thanx & carry on ... Skal! ^v^

The landing gear is stored in the forward position. In the event of having an issue with the hydraulics, it can be unlocked and let gravity do the rest (simple and inexpensive solution).

Thank you,

Best wingform since the spitfire .

Not only was it used in the movie but also used in the real life Top Gun school too!

Well done.

Very good

Veldig bra video!

Great video! Thank you. Would have been better without such a strong accent. The closed captions helped.

Good. Vídeo,see you next!

Funny seeing that air cart painted yellow starting that A4. I tried on those air carts in tech school for C-141 but I don't think I ever used on after tech school. The 141 had a built in APU... no wait.. I remember using an air cart one time for a pressurization test. I don't remember if we used the air cart because the APU was out of service or if that was normal during a pressurization check. I didn't do many PSI checks.

the Skyhawk real Skyhawk id phenomenal

What a great plane! Thank you! How about A6?

The A4I Ayit as used by the IDF was amazingly effective.

52 years ago I knew navy pilot who loved flying the A-4 Skyhawk. Which did…over Vietnam. Off of the USS Ranger

could u imagine the fighter the a4 could have been with an afterburner

Be interested to see what type of plane it would have ended up ,if it never went out off production,it did tick a lot of boxes.

Wait, is this a subsonic jet without afterburner? non-all-moving elevator like on an airliner and crazy wing tips, strange. The beauty of this one was in it's function and engineering.

The designer is genius.

I didn't know that we had Skyhawks in our AUSSIE airforce !

Nice job Captain. 1 of my favorite birds. What about the ROCWELL OV- 10 Bronco. The predisesser to the A-10 warthog.?

You are a good salesman. Where do I sign for one of these?

Skyhawks are national aircraft in Argentina. Very good performance in the Malvinas/falkland war where they were very letal, sinking 7 ships of Royal Navy. The attacks were done to low level dropping bombs. Respect to both side of the conflict.

The dorsal avionics hump ruins the lines. Without the hump the A-4 is one of those most aesthetically perfect looking jets ever made.

The aircraft that saved John McCain III.

I did hear that the bend in the air to air refuelling pipe was to prevent raw fuel entering the engine duct when disconnecting from the hose ?

Sir still waiting for your video on NAMS...

If we redesign for nation that afford. For a single engine single and two seater, more sophisticated armed.

The Blue Angels looked the best flying the A4s.. they looked like lawn darts when the flew...

Good target practice for the UK military in the Falklands, almost all the Argentinian Skyhawks were lost in fighting the British between the Islands and Argentina, brave pilots though.

explore also the A4SU variant