Description and History
The A-6E was the final major production variant of the Intruder series, first conceived in 1966 as a modernization of earlier models. Although externally similar to the A-6A, the A-6E introduced a range of internal enhancements, particularly in avionics, that significantly improved performance, maintainability, and operational capability.
One of the most important changes was the replacement of the earlier AN/ASQ-61 Digital Integrated Attack Navigation Equipment (DIANE), which had proven maintenance-intensive. The A-6E instead featured the AN/ASQ-133 solid-state digital computer system developed by IBM, offering greater memory, faster processing, and improved reliability. In parallel, the dual-radar setup of the A-6A, consisting of the AN/APQ-92 search radar and AN/APQ-112 track radar, was replaced by a single, multifunction Norden AN/APQ-148 radar. This streamlined radar system integrated both terrain-avoidance and targeting functions, reducing pilot workload and increasing system efficiency.
Additional upgrades included an improved weapons release system and more powerful Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8B turbojet engines, which provided a modest increase in thrust and overall performance. Collectively, these changes reduced the maintenance man-hours required per flight hour and increased the aircraft’s mission readiness.
The first A-6E conversion (BuNo 155673) flew on February 27, 1970. Following successful trials, the Navy approved the conversion of 240 A-6A airframes to the A-6E configuration, while also procuring new-build aircraft. A total of 445 A-6Es were ultimately delivered, including both conversions and new airframes.
The first production A-6E (BuNo 158048) was delivered on September 17, 1971, to the Atlantic Fleet replacement air group, VA-42. The first operational squadron to receive the A-6E was VA-85 “Black Falcons” on December 9, 1971. Subsequent deliveries extended to other Atlantic squadrons, followed by Pacific Fleet units such as VA-128 in 1974.
The A-6E was introduced too late to see combat in the Vietnam War, but it went on to serve in a variety of later conflicts, including operations in Lebanon, Libya, and the Persian Gulf. Over time, 228 A-6Es were upgraded to the TRAM (Target Recognition and Attack Multi-Sensor) configuration, featuring a turret-mounted FLIR and laser designator beneath the nose to support precision-guided munitions. Later, under the Systems/Weapons Improvement Program (SWIP), selected A-6Es were further enhanced with the capability to carry advanced standoff weapons such as the AGM-88 HARM and AGM-65 Maverick.
The final A-6E was delivered in March 1980, and the variant remained in front-line service until it retired from US Navy operations in February 1997.
