A-4 Skyhawk

The A-4 Skyhawk was a lightweight, single engine attack aircraft. The mission of an A-4 attack squadron was to attack and to destroy surface targets in support of the landing force commander, escort helicopters, and conduct other operations as directed. Developed in the early 1950s, the A-4 Skyhawk was originally designated the A-4D as a lightweight, daylight only nuclear capable strike aircraft for use in large numbers from aircraft carriers. There were numerous models of the A-4 in use, although this versatile aircraft has since been retired. All models had two internally mounted 20mm (.8 inch) cannons, and were capable of delivering conventional and nuclear weapons under day and night visual meteorological conditions. The A-4M used a heads-up display and computer aided delivery of its bomb load with the angle rate bombing system.