A-4C/A-4E/A-4EM/A-4H /A-4M/A-4N /A-4PTM/A-4SU/A-4AR
-
Nice story, and great find on that photo Radium!
-
I think VC-1 at Barbers Point retired their A-4Es as late as 1992. I think that left VC-8 at Roosevelt Roads as the only non-Aggressor Skyhawk operator, aside from the TA-4J equipped training squadrons. However I’m not sure if VC-8 also had Es or only TA-4Js.
I couldn’t have made VC-1 Skyhawk. Because they were “humped”. I didn’t wanted for now to make a Skyhawk with her hump, as I will later probably do A-4M. I prefer to stress specificities between variants as we have a limited place in stock DB.
Regards,
Radium
Nice story, and great find on that photo Radium!
Thank you Stratos!
-
Check this link
http://a4skyhawk.us/content/151046-vc-1-photo-joe-cupido-2896VC-1 A-4E taken in July 1992 without hump.
By 1990 I can’t recall seeing any humped Navy Skyhawks any longer.
The USMC kept flying humped (O)A-4Ms until the last unit retired them in 1994 at Willow Grove.I think the Navy A-4E’s must have been de-humped at some point but I haven’t found any reference to a specific program or depot maintenance order yet.
-
Check this link
http://a4skyhawk.us/content/151046-vc-1-photo-joe-cupido-2896VC-1 A-4E taken in July 1992 without hump.
By 1990 I can’t recall seeing any humped Navy Skyhawks any longer.
The USMC kept flying humped (O)A-4Ms until the last unit retired them in 1994 at Willow Grove.I think the Navy A-4E’s must have been de-humped at some point but I haven’t found any reference to a specific program or depot maintenance order yet.
Hello,
Very interesting. I know VC-5 had un-humped A-4E in 1989 :
Another kind of two greys livery…
Thank you for the picture! I think I would have done it if I saw it before!
Regards,
Radium
-
Hello,
Seen today!
Regards,
Radium
-
Hello,
Seen today!
Regards,
Radium
-
Museum bird?? Where did you see this one?
-
Hello Tazz,
This one located in France, Bordeaux Airbase, as a museum bird.
I just decided to join the museum’s restoration team, to work especially on this aircraft (nobody was tasked on it, as it seems). I will try to rebuilt the cockpit, as no part is remaining inside, find instruments in other museums… I am really excited to join this team and to work on this A-4SU!
Nothing remains inside, but everything is in very good condition.
If I can’t find instruments, like the MFD or HUD (less than a chance on 10,000 to get one!), I will make 3D printed models, to fill the empty space. Better than nothing.
Regards,
Radium
-
Ah Cazaux I assume? I was there when they still flew the Skyhawks. In particular that TA-4S was a strange appearance.
I hope you can find the missing instruments, maybe inquire with the Singapore Air Force?
It’s strange the most basic instruments were gutted, given that 150 Squadron was the last Skyhawk unit anyway. -
Ah Cazaux I assume? I was there when they still flew the Skyhawks. In particular that TA-4S was a strange appearance.
I hope you can find the missing instruments, maybe inquire with the Singapore Air Force?
It’s strange the most basic instruments were gutted, given that 150 Squadron was the last Skyhawk unit anyway.Yeah, airbase was in Cazaux. But this A-4SU was given to a museum located in Air Force base 106 of Bordeaux.
I will do my best to find instrument, also an ejection seat. I think, I will try to get in touch with 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, and try to get parts from there. I’m sure it’s possible.
From Singapore air force, I will try to get in touch with them to get a HUD, a MFD, flight stick and throttle but honestly, I am not sure.
It’s funny that this thread from a simulation 3D model is moving to the real bird. Can’t believe this!
-
If I can’t find instruments
There is a guy from Israel in ebay that sells many instruments ans switches occasionally, A-4 & F-4 included.
-
I do wish you good luck and do set yourself a realistic budget because I don’t think you’ll be able to do this on the cheap. You may face some competition as Skyhawk parts are getting harder to come by. There are several civilian outfits flying A-4s as aggressors, including former Israeli AF and RNZAF Skyhawks. I think the Brazilian Navy is one of the last military users of the A-4 and the upgrade process of their ex-Kuwaiti Skyhawks wasn’t that smooth either.
Otherwise try contacting the Collins Foundation who fly a TA-4 along with a F-4D and F-100F?
Assuming your museum isn’t looking to return it into flying condition, you may get better response when you make it explicit that you’re looking for non-airworthy/serviceable parts, eg you’re asking if you can virtually dumpster dive. You may still need to pay for some of those parts but you may get some donations. Serviceable parts would cost an arm and a leg I suppose?
-
Hello,
I was supposed to take off at 6.50 as I was supposed to commute to another city in France but weather is bad… So I take time to reply here!
This aircraft will be of course non-airworthy. It’s a museum bird, and even if I could get broken parts, it would be great. Some crafting would make it look like new.
I really hope I can get help from US DoD. They are usually keen on helping people preserving aircraft heritage.
I contacted in the past Naval Aviation Museum of Pensacola for some help on documention about A-5A Vigilante, I got so much documentation from them.
Even if I have to go there, I can afford $1000 of my own pocket to bring back parts from there if the museum I belong. Afterall it’s just a matter of passion.
Thank you for the interest of the topic, if you are interested, I can keep you on touch there of my work on the real aircraft !
Kind regards,
Radium
-
Well I believe many of us are jealous and proud that a member of our community has such an opportunity. So sure it would be nice to see - hear your news and updates on the subject.
Στάλθηκε από το MI 5 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
-
Nothing like turning a wrench on a real aircraft like a Skyhawk so yes, by all means do create a topic for it and post lots of pics.
Good luck commuting in that Beech 1900D… I hated flying in those, in particular when you end up in row 2 which has no window! (The one across from the entry door.)
I don’t typically get air sick but the 1900 was always one aircraft I couldn’t wait to debark again. -
buh propellers are the safest…
Once only I flew with one (AVTR). The pilot also informed us that the weather will be bad and bumps will happen on the way…
On landing I was sitting in the back of the plane and there was major side wind.
How I know?
I could see the runway from my window :lol: and I was perfectly aligned for landing. So imagine the angle…When we landed everyone was puking all over the place and complaining… I was kinda feeling nausea too but I shook hands with the pilot… telling him that it was one of my best flights… He was shocked. :lol:
-
Hello !
Just to let you know that I got a request from my excellent friend Topolo for an Israeli A-4E/H.
After an extensive update of the original model and customization, we have have a new Skyhawk !
I started this IAF A-4E, then, A-4H will come (A-4N would be nice too, but I’m still unsure if I will make it).
Markings are not finished yet, and some updates are still needed, but we are on a good path.
Cheers !
Radium
-
it would be great to have whole tailflat XDOFed as trimmable part for taking off/landing. maybe linked to main gear DOF?
-
it would be great to have whole tailflat XDOFed as trimmable part for taking off/landing. maybe linked to main gear DOF?
Hello,
What do you mean by tailflat XDOFed ?
Radium
-
check pics here: taking off or landing configuration.
https://www.wearethemighty.com/app/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17318708/origin.jpg
http://afterburner.com.pl/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/150419_422.jpg