Hobby Master HA1434 | A4-C Skyhawk C-321 of IV Grupo de Casa, IV Brigada Aerea, Fuerza Aerea Argentina, San Julian, 1982

General Background:

Designed to replace the Douglas AD-1 Skyraider the Skyhawk first flew in 1954. Its small size was a radical departure from the normal “Big” thinking of the time. The USN first took delivery in late 1956 with the USMC receiving theirs 3 months later. Over the years many nicknames were used, “Tinker Toy”, “Heinemann’s Hotrod” (the designer was Ed Heinemann), with the E and F models labeled the “Camel” because of the electronics hump along the dorsal. Probably the most well known nickname used for the 2,960 A-4’s that were produced is “Scooter”.

The Aircraft:

On April 2, 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, on April 5th Britain sent a flotilla to engage the Argentine Navy and Air Force and make an amphibious assault on the island. After 74 days Argentina surrendered on June 14 but not before 649 Argentine personnel losing their lives along with 255 British losses and 3 Falkland islanders. Numerous ships and aircraft from both sides were lost. A-4C Skyhawk C-321 of the Grupo de Casa, IV Brigada Aerea, Fuerza Aerea Argentina, San Julian was delivered on March 29, 1978 and took part in the conflict.

Specifications McDonnell Douglas A-4C
Crew – 1 Pilot
Dimensions
Length – 40ft 3in Wingspan – 27ft 6in Height – 14ft 11in
Weight
Empty – 10,450 lbs Loaded – 18,300 lbs Gross – 24,500 lbs
Performance
Powerplant – 1 x Wright J-65-W-20 non-afterburning turbojet, 8,200 lbs. of thrust
Maximum Speed – 673 mph
Combat Radius – 1,000 miles
Ferry Range – 2,130 miles
Service Ceiling – 42,250 ft
Maximum Rate of Climb – 8,440 ft/min