Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1403
Douglas A-4E Skyhawk Diecast Model
USN VA-163 Saints, AH300+D5406, John McCain, USS Oriskany, 1967 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Douglas A-4E Skyhawk | | 6.75" | | 4.75" |
Developed to replace the A-1 Skyraider the A-4 Skyhawk was extremely lightweight maneuverable inexpensive and didn't need folding wings. One of the upgrades saw 499 A-4E's built, some received a lighter weight 8,500 lb thrust engine and some late production planes had the 9,300 lb thrust engines as well as an upper fuselage "hump back" avionics pod added. All had one hard point added under each wing, re-designed center fuselage, air intakes, and airframe strengthening with bomb and navigation upgrades. Because of all the missions and tonnage of weapons delivered the A-4 was dubbed "The Workhorse of Vietnam", this is "The Little Plane That Could". Eight A-4E's were sold to Royal Australian Navy.
In July 1967 John Sidney McCain III survived a deck explosion and fire on the USS Forrestal that killed 134. He then joined the USS Oriskany VA-163 Saints and in October 1967 his A-4E Skyhawk was shot down over Vietnam. Released after 5 1/2 years in prison John retired in 1981 and was elected as a Congressman in 1982 and Senator in 1986. While in the Navy McCain was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and the DFC.
Designed to replace the antiquated, propeller-driven AD Skyraider, the A-4 Skyhawk was first flown on June 22, 1954. Douglas exceeded the original design requirements by delivering a carrier-capable aircraft that was only half the Navy's weight specification and so compact that it did not need folding wings. The A-4 was the first to use "buddy" air-to-air refueling (an A-4 could refuel other aircraft of the same type), which was helpful when operating in remote locations where dedicated tankers were impractical. The A-4 served the US Navy until 2003 and remained the preferred warplane for the Marine Corps until the 1980s, even after the introduction of the A-7 Corsair II. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale A-4 Skyhawk is a sturdy model constructed almost entirely from diecast metal with only the smallest amount of plastic used. This model has an opening canopy with pad-printed dials and gauges, control stick and pilot seat. Each release features a pair of 20mm cannons, a delicate refueling probe and a variety of wing-mounted weapons ordnance and fuel tanks. The series includes the early B and E variants as well as the F and M variants, which have a hump on the top of the fuselage to house upgraded avionics (also seen on retrofitted E variants).
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
