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Submitted to the design competition
in 1952 for replacing the aging, propeller-driven AD ''Skyraider'',
the shockingly diminutive entry submitted by Douglas Aircraft,
the A-4 ''Skyhawk'' won easily. Designed by a team headed by
their star designer, Ed Heinemann, who coincidentally, designed
the Skyraider as well, the A-4 was up to the challenge of performing
carrier-based attack missions, is spite of its small size.
The A-4 was a favorite of
pilots that flew it and it was a natural for the Navy's famed
flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, because of its power
and high maneuverability. One of the many nicknames affectionately
bestowed by pilots upon the A-4, and the one heard most often,
''Scooter'' alluded to both its speed and agility. A supremely
simple design, the A-4 was easy to maintain and cheap to buy,
making it a sought-after aircraft by many air forces around the
globe and an income producing marvel for Douglas, later McDonnell-Douglas.
Signed and numbered by the artist. |