Would you like to see this in-game?
Which engine variant would you like to see implemented on the A-4L?
7,700-lbf J65-W-16 turbojet (initial engine)
8,400-lbf J65-W-20 turbojet (upgraded engine)
Both. Start with the J65-W-16 and unlock the J65-W-20 as a modification.
I said “No” in the first poll.
Douglas A-4L Skyhawk
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the Douglas A-4L Skyhawk, a refurbished and modernized reserve-service variant developed from the earlier A-4C. The A-4L upgrade program incorporated several improvements seen on later Skyhawk models, including the dorsal avionics hump, wing lift spoilers, upgraded electronic countermeasure equipment, and a more powerful engine. A total of 100 A-4Ls were completed between 1969 and 1972 for service with Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve squadrons during the Vietnam War era.
History
The A-4L program originated from a requirement to modernize reserve Skyhawk units so they could be rapidly brought to combat-ready status if needed. Rather than producing entirely new aircraft, the US Navy elected to refurbish existing A-4C airframes. Unlike previous Skyhawk developments handled directly by Douglas, the A-4L conversions were carried out through Navy-managed refurbishment programs.
The first conversion to the A-4L standard began in 1969. The aircraft incorporated the distinctive dorsal avionics hump mounted behind the cockpit, similar to that found on the A-4F. This hump housed updated ECM and defensive electronic equipment, significantly improving survivability compared to the original A-4C configuration.
Another improvement was the installation of wing lift spoilers, enhancing handling and low-speed control characteristics. The powerplant was changed from the earlier J65-W-16 engine producing 7,700 pounds of thrust to the more powerful J65-W-20 generating approximately 8,400 pounds of thrust. This gave the refurbished aircraft improved performance over the older A-4C airframe.
Sources conflict regarding the exact weapons configuration of the A-4L. Some references suggest the aircraft retained the original three-pylon arrangement inherited from the A-4C, while others state the aircraft may have been modified to support five pylons, similar to the A-4E and later variants. Regardless, the intent of the modernization was to bring the reserve aircraft closer in capability and operational compatibility with frontline Skyhawks then serving in fleet units.
The first A-4L completed its maiden flight on August 21, 1969. Deliveries to reserve squadrons began later that year, in December, and continued through 1972. The aircraft primarily served with Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve units organized under reserve carrier air wings.
After retirement from US Navy service, several surplus A-4Ls were eventually converted into the A-4PTM standard for export to Malaysia during the 1980s, where they continued operational service for many years afterward.
Specifications
Douglas A-4L Skyhawk
General Characteristics
Crew: 1 (Pilot)
Dimensions:
Length: 40 ft 1.2 in (12.2 m)
Height: 15 ft (4.6 m)
Wingspan: 27 ft 6 in (8.4 m)
Wing Area: 260 sq ft (24.15 sq m)
Powerplant:
Type: 1 x Wright J65-W-20 turbojet
Power Output:
Military: 8,400 lbf (37.4 kN) @ 8,600 rpm
Normal: 7,400 lbf (32.9 kN) @ 8,300 rpm
Fuel/Oil:
Fuel Capacity: 800 US-gal (3,028 L)
Oil Capacity: 5 US-gal (18.9 L)
Weight:
Empty: 9,861 lb (4,473 kg)
Gross: 13,655 lb (6,193 kg)
Max. Takeoff: 22,500 lb (10,206 kg)
Flight Performance
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.62
Wing Loading: 53 lb/sq ft (259 kg/sq m)
Max Speed:
Sea Level: 587 kts (676 mph, 1,087 km/h)
At Altitude: 522 kts (601 mph, 967 km/h) @ 38,900 ft (11,857 m)
Stall:
Power-off: 96 kts (110 mph, 178 km/h)
Power-on: 91 kts (105 mph, 169 km/h)
Rate of Climb: 10,400 fpm (52.8 m/s)
Service Ceiling: 45,900 ft (13,594 m)
Armament
Avionics:
AN/APG-53A surface radar
AN/AJB-3 LABS computer
Guns:
2 x 20 mm Colt Mk 12 Mod 0 cannons (100 rpg; 200 rds)
Air-to-Air Missiles:
Air-to-Ground Missiles:
3 x AGM-12A/B Bullpups
2 x AGM-12C Bullpups
2 x AGM-45A Shrikes
Bombs:
Mk 80 Series General Purpose Bombs
750-lb M117 Bombs
Mk-77/-79 Fire Bombs
Mk Series Sea Mines
Rockets:
7-tubed LAU-32A/A for 2.75” (69.85 mm) FFARs
19-tubed LAU-3A/A for 2.75” (69.85 mm) FFARs
4-tubed LAU-10/A for 5” (127mm) Zuni rockets
Drop Tanks:
1 x 400 US-gal drop tank
3 x 300 US-gal drop tanks
3 x 150 US-gal drop tanks
Other:
AN/ALE-29A chaff/flare countermeasures dispenser
Stanard Aircraft Characteristics
Related Suggestions
Sources
Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃
2 Likes
