Douglas A-4F Skyhawk Blue Angels Model Airplane

 

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Douglas A-4F Skyhawk Blue Angels Model Airplane

Item#: MJA04FBA

MSRP Price: $215.99

Factory Direct Price: $161.99




Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company Inc.

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Douglas A-4F Skyhawk Blue Angels Model Airplane

A bad accident with the Phantoms of the US Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team that took place on July 26, 1973 had caused the cancellation of the rest of their season. In addition, over the next few months an energy crisis had appeared in the United States, caused by an oil embargo arising out of the Yom Kippur War. This resulted in gasoline shortages, long lines at gas stations, and rapidly-rising energy costs. The Navy decided that it would be unwise from a public relations standpoint to fly expensive, fuel-guzzling aircraft in airshows during this energy crisis, and they went shopping for a less expensive, more fuel-efficient aircraft for the Blue Angels.

The team really wanted the F-14 Tomcat, but it was ruled out on the basis of cost. The Vought A-7 Corsair II was also considered, but was ruled out for the reason that the fleet had none to spare. The Navy decided to adopt the reconfigured A-4F for the Blue Angels flight demonstration team. Eight A-4F airframes were selected for initial modification. The J52-P-8 engine was replaced by the J52-P-408, the guns and the armor plating were removed, the avionics package was deleted, and a drogue chute was added. Load feel bungee-cords were added to provide additional nose-down stick forces during demonstration flights. A smoke system was fitted, and a foldable ladder was added for crew entry in the left gun position. Some additional ballast was added to the nose for balance. Fearful that they might open asymetrically during close formation flying in tight turns, the wing leading-edge slats were bolted shut.

Over the next few years, additional A-4Fs were modified for the team. A total of 18 different Skyhawks served with the Blue Angels. A TA-4J two-seater was also assigned to the team, and three other two seaters were used temporarily while the prime aircraft was under maintenance.

On July 13, 1985, two Blue Angels Skyhawks collided in midair during an airshow at the Niagra Falls Airport. Even before this accident, the Navy had been considering a change to the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet. This accident accelerated the changeover, and during the winter training season the team completed the conversion to the F/A-18A in preparation for the 1986 season.

As they completed their tours, some of the Blue Angels Skyhawks were reassigned to adversary squadrons, and the trainer was reassigned to Training Command. Others were donated to museums. There are, however, several A-4s in museums painted to represent Blue Angels Skyhawks, even though they never served with the unit.

In addition, re-engined A-4Fs were issued to adversarial flight teams as well as to some US Marine Corps reserve units.

Please note that the stand shown in this photograph may vary or change with the model you receive.