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G’day lads. I was doing more research for more Kiwi (aka the people of New Zealand) vehicles, when I was surprised that the A-4K Kahu wasn’t even suggested here yet! So here I am suggesting it for a possible future aircraft for WT :)
Description:
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The A-4K Kahu is an upgraded version of the A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft, specifically modernized for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in the mid-1980s under Project Kahu. This upgrade included nearly 30 individual avionic and weapons systems, making it one of the most advanced versions of the A-4 Skyhawk. Key features of the A-4K Kahu include the Westinghouse AN/APG-66 radar, which was also used in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and optimized for maritime tracking. The aircraft’s avionics were upgraded to be allegedly equivalent to those of an F-16. The original A-4K airframe was based on the A-4F, with modifications such as a squared-off tail and the addition of a drag chute. The A-4K Kahu served with the RNZAF until 2001.
History:
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Project Kahu was initiated to update the aging A-4 Skyhawks, which had been in service since 1970, and to enhance their capabilities to match modern jet fighters. The project was named after the Māori-language name for the New Zealand swamp harrier, symbolizing the aircraft’s renewed capabilities.
By 1982, it was evident that the RNZAF’s Skyhawk fleet needed modernization. A tender was opened, and the American company Lear Siegler Inc. was selected for the upgrade. In 1984, the program was approved, and ten additional Skyhawks were purchased from the Royal Australian Navy. The upgrade transformed the Skyhawks into a maritime strike force, a shift from their previous close support role. The New Zealand Government approved the tender in 1985, and the contract with Lear Siegler was signed in 1986. One of the first upgraded Skyhawks was the NZ 6202.
The upgrade involved nearly 30 individual avionic and weapons systems, making the A-4K Kahu one of the most advanced versions of the Skyhawk (aside from the Argentinian A-4 I guess). The most significant addition was the Westinghouse AN/APG-66 radar, optimized for maritime tracking. The aircraft’s avionics were upgraded to be equivalent to those of an F-16, and the airframe was modified with a squared-off tail and a drag chute, aswell as having a AN/ALR-66 RWR and AN/ALE-39 countermeasures. The work was completed by RNZAF staff at the No. 1 Repair Depot at Woodbourne, with contributions from local companies like Pacific Aerospace and Fisher & Paykel.
The A-4K Kahu served with the RNZAF until 2001, when they were controversially withdrawn from service without a direct replacement. Some of the aircraft were donated to aviation museums, while others were sold to Draken International, a private military contractor in the United States.
Armaments:
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Two Colt Mk.12 20mm cannon with 100 rounds each.
Up to four AIM-9L Sidewinders on outboard and inboard wing pylons.
Alternatively the outboard station could carry one AGM-65B or G Maverick or a rocket pod with 19 CRV-7 2.8inch (70mm) unguided rockets or one Mk.82 500lb (226.8kg ) bomb.
The inboard station had the capacity to carry one Maverick or up to two CRV-7 rocket launchers.
Instead of these up to three Mk.82 500lb bombs could be carried, or one Mk.83 1,000lb (454kg) unguided bomb or a GBU-16 Paveway II 1,000lb laser-guided bomb.
On the centreline station, the A-4K could carry up to 3 CRV-7 launchers or up to six Mk.82s or three Mk.83 bombs.
Instead of weaponry up to three drop tanks of 370 US Gallons (2,479lbs/ 1.400 litres) could be carried on stations 2, 3 and 4 (centreline and both inboard stations).
(Image I found on Discord. I cannot find the source, possibly from a book?)
Specifications:
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The A-4K has the following dimensions and performance characteristics. The aircraft’s length is 12.57 meters, with a wingspan of 8.36 meters and a wing area of 24.06 square meters. It stands at a height of 4.53 meters. The empty weight of the aircraft is 4,740 kilograms, while its maximum weight is 11,113 kilograms. The maximum ordnance load it can carry is 5,656 kilograms, and it has an internal fuel capacity of 2,431 kilograms. In terms of performance, the A-4K Skyhawk can reach a maximum speed of 1,086 kilometers per hour. It has a service ceiling of 12,863 meters and a normal range of 1,867 kilometers, which is achieved with its Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8A with 9,300 lbf of thrust.
Sources:
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AIRFIGHTERS.COM - Douglas A-4K Skyhawk
Project Kahu - Kahu - the A-4K Skyhawk Story
Maritime Scheme - Kahu - the A-4K Skyhawk Story
NZ 6254 - Kahu - the A-4K Skyhawk Story
Kahu Radar - Kahu - the A-4K Skyhawk Story
A4K's A-4K Thread | Aircraft of World War II - WW2Aircraft.net Forums
https://mx.pinterest.com/pin/586875395167089454/
RNZAF 2 Squadron | The Skyhawk Association
Skyhawk Ordnance | The Skyhawk Association
https://www.combataircraft.com/en/Military-Aircraft/Boeing/A-4-Skyhawk/
Thanks a lot for reading! If you can find any extra information about the vehicle, then feel free to put it in the replies! Have a great day!
