DOUGLAS A4D SKYHAWK

 SKYHAWK SERVICE

Manufacturer: The Douglas Aircraft Co. Inc., Santa Monica, California, USA
(In 1967, became McDonnell Douglas Corp., Douglas Aircraft
Co. Division, Long Beach, California, USA)
Model: ?
Designations: A4D; A-4
Names: Skyhawk; Skyhawk II (A-4M/N), Fightinghawk (A/TA-4AR),
Super Skyhawk (A/TA-4SU)
First official flight: (XA4D-1) 22/06/1954
Factory production period: 1953 - 1979
Primary service period: 1956 - 1990
Last official flight: (TA-4J) 20/10/1999

SKYHAWK VARIANTS

1954 Model: ? XA4D-1 1 Total: 0001
         
1954 Model: ? YA4D-1 (YA-4A) 19  
1955 Model: ? A4D-1 (A-4A) 146 Total: 0165
         
1956 Model: ? A4D-2 (A-4B) 542  
1958 Model: ? A4D-2N (A-4C) 638 Total: 1180
         
1961 Model: ? YA4D-5 (YA-4E) 2  
1961 Model: ? A4D-5 (A-4E) 497 Total: 0499
         
1965 Model: ? TA-4E 2  
1966 Model: ? A-4F 147  
1966 Model: ? T4-4F 238  
1967 Model: ? A-4G 8  
1967 Model: ? TA-4G 2  
1967 Model: ? A-4H 90  
1967 Model: ? TA-4H 10  
1968 Model: ? TA-4J 293  
1969 Model: ? A-4K 10  
1970 Model: ? TA-4K 4 Total: 0804
         
1970 Model: ? A-4M 158  
1972 Model: ? A-4N 117  
1976 Model: ? A-4KU 30  
1976 Model: ? TA-4KU 6 Total: 0311

Grand Total: 2960


Cockpit layout on RMAF A-4PTM Skyhawk, s/n: M32-30.
RMAF Museum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2000.

SKYHAWK PRODUCTION

XA4D-1
Prototype single engined, carrier-based attack bomber.
Fitted with nose test probe, no armament.
Produced 1953 - 1954
Douglas El Segundo, California (D)

BuNo.137812 10709

Total: 0001

YA4D-1
As XA4D-1, pre-production airframes, engine upgrade,
armed, modified nose cone.
Redesignated as YA-4A in 1962, then A-4A.
Produced 1954
Douglas El Segundo, California (D)

BuNo.137813 / 137831 10710 / 10728

Total: 0019

A4D-1
As YA4D-1, full production airframes.
Redesignated as A-4A in 1962.
Produced 1954 - 1957
Douglas El Segundo, California (D)

BuNo.139919 / 139970 11284 / 11335  
BuNo.142142 / 142235 11396 / 11489

Total: 0146


The starboard 20mm wing cannon on an A-4PTM, s/n: M32-27,
armament was first introduced on the A4D-1 (A-4A).
Shah Alam, Malaysia, 2000.

A4D-2
As A4D-1, strengthened rear fuselage and rudder,
engine upgrade, inflight refuelling probe, minor changes.
Redesignated as A-4B in 1962.
Produced 1955 - 1958
Douglas El Segundo, California (D)

BuNo.142082 / 142141 11336 / 11395  
BuNo.142416 / 142423 11601 / 11608  
BuNo.142674 / 142953 11736 / 12015  
BuNo.144868 / 145061 12114 / 12307

Total: 0542

A4D-2N
As A4D-2, low-level all weather version, longer nose
with avionics upgrades, improved ejection seats
and autopilot. Later airframes with engine upgrade.
Redesignated as A-4C in 1962.
Produced 1958 - 1962
Douglas El Segundo, California (D)
& Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.145062 / 145146 12308 / 12392  
BuNo.147669 / 147849 12433 / 12613  
BuNo.148304 / 148317 12614 / 12627  
BuNo.148435 / 148612 12628 / 12805  
BuNo.149487 / 149646 12812 / 12971  
BuNo.150581 / 150600 12992 / 13011

Total: 0638

234 additional airframes cancelled.

A4D-3 - 1957, proposed all weather version with engine upgrade, 10 cancelled.
 A4D-4 - 1958, proposed engine upgrade, cancelled.
 A-4D - Not used to avoid confusion with pre-1962 A4D designation.

 YA4D-5
As A4D-2N, prototypes with engine upgrade,
armament upgrade, minor changes.
Redesignated as YA-4E in 1962.
Produced 1961
Douglas El Segundo, California (D)

BuNo.148613, 148614 12806, 12807

Total: 0002

A4D-5
As YA4D-5, full production airframes.
All but first 6 airframes delivered as A-4E.
Produced 1961 - 1966
Douglas El Segundo, California (D)
& Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.149647 / 149666 12972 / 12991  
BuNo.149959 / 150138 13012 / 13191  
BuNo.151022 / 151201 13192 / 13371  
BuNo.151984 / 152100 13372 / 13488

Total: 0497

60 additional airframes cancelled.

A4D-6 - 1963, proposed airframe / engine upgrade, cancelled.

 TA-4E
As A4D-5, prototype 2-seater trainers, interim
designation only, later redesignated as TA-4F.
Produced 1965
Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.152102, 152103 13490, 13491

Total: 0002

A-4F
As A4D-5, engine upgrade, avionics upgrade
located in raised dorsal hump, minor changes.
Produced 1966 - 1968
Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.152101 13489  
BuNo.154172 / 154217 13629 / 13674  
BuNo.154970 / 155069 13786 / 13885

Total: 0147

69 additional airframes cancelled.

TA-4F
As A-4E/F, 2-seater trainers.
Most later upgraded to TA-4J standards.
Produced 1965 - 1967
Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.152846 / 152878 13492 / 13524  
BuNo.153459 / 153531 13525 / 13597  
BuNo.153660 / 153690 13598 / 13628  
BuNo.154287 / 154343 13675 / 13731  
BuNo.154614 / 154657 13732 / 13775

Total: 0238

A-4G
As A-4E/F, version for Royal Australian Navy.
Additional 8 later converted from A-4F.
8 to RNZAF in 1984, upgraded as A-4K.
Produced 1967
McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.154903 / 154910 13776 / 13783

Total: 0008

All delivered as:
(RAN) N13-154903 / N13-154910

TA-4G
As A-4G, 2-seater trainers for RAN.
Additional 2 later converted from TA-4F.
2 to RNZAF in 1984, upgraded as TA-4K.
Produced 1967
McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.154911, 154912 13784, 13785

Total: 0002

All delivered as:
(RAN) N13-154911, N13-154912

A-4H
As A-4E/F, land based version for Israel.
Produced 1967 - 1968
 McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.155242 / 155289 13936 / 13983  
BuNo.157395 / 157428 14044 / 14077  
BuNo.157918 / 157925 14098 / 14105

Total: 0090

TA-4H
As A-4H, 2-seater trainers for Israel.
Produced 1967
McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.157429 / 157434 14078 / 14083  
BuNo.157926 / 157929 14106 / 14109

Total: 0010

A-4I - Not used.
TA-4J
As TA-4F, down-rated engine, armament deleted.
Produced 1968 - 1975
McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.155070 / 155119 13886 / 13935  
BuNo.156891 / 156950 13984 / 14043  
BuNo.158073 / 158147 14110 / 14184  
BuNo.158453 / 158527 14258 / 14332  
BuNo.158712 / 158723 14333 / 14344  
BuNo.159099 / 159104 14405 / 14410  
BuNo.159546 / 159556 14466 / 14476  
BuNo.159795 / 159798 14494 / 14497

Total: 0293

A-4K
As A-4F, land based version for RNZAF.
Produced 1969 - 1970
McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.157904 / 157913 14084 / 14093

Total: 0010
All delivered as:
(RNZAF) NZ6201 / NZ6210

TA-4K
 As A-4K, 2-seater trainers for RNZAF.
Produced 1970
McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.157914 / 157917 14094 / 14097

Total: 0004
All delivered as:
(RNZAF) NZ6251 / NZ6254

A-4M Skyhawk II
As A-4F, land based USMC version with fuselage
engine / armament upgrade, angled refuelling probe,
minor changes.
Produced 1970 - 1979
McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.158148 / 158196 14185 / 14233  
BuNo.158412 / 158435 14234 / 14257  
BuNo.159470 / 159493 14411 / 14434  
BuNo.159778 / 159790 14477 / 14489  
BuNo.160022 / 160045 14524 / 14547  
BuNo.160241 / 160264 14584 / 14607

Total: 0158
4 additional airframes cancelled.

A-4N Skyhawk II
As A-4M, land based version for Israel with
upgraded avionics.
Produced 1972 - 1976
McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.158726 / 158743 14345 / 14362  
BuNo.159035 / 159052 14363 / 14380  
BuNo.159075 / 159098 14381 / 14404  
BuNo.159515 / 159545 14435 / 14465  
BuNo.159799 / 159824 14498 / 14523

Total: 0117

A-4KU
As A-4M, land based version for Kuwait.
Produced 1976 - 1977
McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.160180 / 160209 14548 / 14577

Total: 0030
All delivered as:
(Kuwait) 801 / 830

TA-4KU
As A-4KU, 2-seater trainers for Kuwait.
Produced 1976 - 1977
McDonnell Douglas Long Beach, California

BuNo.160210 / 160215 14578 / 14583

Total: 0006
All delivered as:
(Kuwait) 881 / 886

 

Grand Total: 2960


A total of 40 A-4C/L Skyhawks were converted by Grumman Aerospace, Florida
in 1984-1985 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force under the designation A-4PTM.
RMAF Skyhawk operations ceased in 1999. Note the unusual placement of the
serial number stencilled on the airbrake panels.
Pictured is A-4PTM, s/n: M32-27, which is a gate guardian at the
University of Technology in Shah Alam, Malaysia, 2000.

SKYHAWK CONVERSIONS

US Navy

YA4D-2 1 A4D-2, conversion for development tests.
(YA-4B) 1 1962, redesignation of YA4D-2.
YA4D-2N 1 A4D-2N, conversion for development tests.
(YA-4C) 1 1962, redesignation of YA4D-2N.
TA-4A 1+ A-4A, conversions for training duties.
TA-4B 1+ A-4B, conversions for training duties.
NA-4C 1 A-4C, permanent conversion for development tests.
NA-4E 2 YA-4E, permanent conversions for test flying.
EA-4F 1+ A-4F, conversions with ECM equipment.
ETA-4F 1 TA-4F, ECM trainer.
YA-4F 1 A-4E(150050), A-4F systems prototype.
EA-4J 1+ TA-4J, conversions with ECM equipment.
A-4L 100 A-4C, 1969, engine / avionics upgrades with minor changes.
OA-4M 23 TA-4F, 1978, avionics upgrades for USMC air coordination duties.
A-4Y 1+ A-4M, structural / avionics upgrades, designation not actually used.

Foreign Conversions

A-4AR 32 Fightinghawk
A-4M, 1995, refurbished airframes for Argentina. Upgrades by
Lockheed Air Service Inc. (LAS), California.
TA-4AR 4 Fightinghawk
OA-4M, 1995, as A-4AR but for training duties.
A-4P 75 A-4B, 1965, refurbished airframes for the Argentinean Air Force.
First 25 upgraded by Douglas Aircraft Co., Oklahoma, delivered 1966.
Second 25 delivered, 1969. Last 25 upgraded by
Lockheed Air Service Inc. (LAS), California, delivered 1975.
A-4PTM 34 A-4C/A-4L, 1984-1999, PTM - Peculiar To Malaysia, refurbished
airframes for the RMAF. Upgraded by Grumman Aerospace Corp., Florida.
TA-4PTM 6 A-4C/A-4L, 1984-1999, as A-4PTM but converted 2-seater trainers.
A-4Q 16 A-4B, 1971-1986, refurbished airframes for the Argentinean Navy.
A-4S 45 A-4B, 1973-1993, refurbished airframes for Singapore. Upgrades by
Lockheed Air Service Inc. (LAS), California & Singapore (LASS).
A-4S-1 51 A-4B/C, 1982-1986, refurbished airframes for Singapore, minor upgrades.
Completed by Singapore Aircraft Industries (SAI), Singapore.
(A-4SU) 51 Super Skyhawk
A-4S-1, 1986, engine / avionics upgrade. Completed by Singapore
Technologies Aerospace (STAe), Singapore.
TA-4S 7 A-4B, 1975-1993, as A-4S, converted as 2-seater trainers with unique
separate twin canopies.
TA-4S-1 24 A-4B/C, 1982-1986, as A-4S-1 but 2-seater trainers.
(TA-4SU) 24 Super Skyhawk
TA-4S-1, 1986, as A-4SU but 2-seater trainers.
A-4T - Proposed conversions for French Navy, cancelled.
AF-1 20 A-4KU, 1998, Brazilian designation, major upgrades for Brazil.
AF-1A 3 TA-4KU, 1998, Brazilian designation, major upgrades for Brazil.

FOREIGN MILITARY SERVICE
 - A-4's purchased as new for the Air Forces or Navies of Australia, Israel,
   Kuwait and New Zealand.
 - A-4's purchased second hand for the Air Forces or Navies of Argentina,
   Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia and Singapore.


This retired A-4S, s/n: 607, was originally an A-4B, BuNo. 145013, before
being sold to Singapore in 1973. All A-4S / TA-4S Skyhawks were retired
in 1993 in favour of the upgraded A-4SU Super Skyhawks.
RSiAF Air Force Museum, Paya Lebar, Singapore, 2003.


A Singaporean TA-4SU, s/n: 900, originally A-4C, BuNo. 147742, displaying
the layout of the two-seater trainer design.
RSiAF Air Force Museum, Paya Lebar, Singapore, 2011.

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