Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1413
Douglas A-4E Skyhawk Diecast Model
USN VA-192 Golden Dragons, NM208, Michael Estocin, USS Ticonderoga, April 1967 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Douglas A-4E Skyhawk | | 6.75" | | 4.75" |
A-4E Skyhawk Bu.No 151073 NM208 belonged to the Operations Officer of VA-192 "Golden Dragons". On April 20, 1967 LCDR Michael J. Estocin led a Shrike anti-radar attack on Haiphong. His aircraft was damaged by a SAM but he managed to return to the Ticonderoga. On April 26, 1967 he led another attack on Haiphong and again his aircraft was badly damaged by a SAM. With his aircraft burning he managed to fire his missiles at the target and then turn toward the sea but as he approached the coast his fiery aircraft rolled inverted and crashed. Another pilot said he didn't see any sign of a parachute. LCDR Estocin was considered an MIA until November 10, 1977 when the Secretary of the Navy gave approval for a Presumptive Finding of Death. The cause of death was coded as "Hostile, Died While Captured". Sadly his remains have never been repatriated. For his many actions during these two missions LCDR Estocin was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. He is the only Navy pilot to receive the MOH for actions performed during a combat mission. The USS Estocin was named after him.
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 2003-2014 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.
