[Suggestion] Adding the Ultimate US Skyhawks: A-4F and A-4M for the American Tech Tree

[kogamow123]

Introduction

The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is one of the most iconic American attack aircraft of the Cold War. While War Thunder currently features the early A-4B and A-4E (Early) variants for the USA, the definitive and most advanced versions of this legendary jet are missing from the American tree. Ironically, Israel already possesses the highly capable A-4N Ayit. It is time for the United States to receive its ultimate production models: the A-4F and the A-4M Skyhawk II.

Why the A-4F Should Be Added

The A-4F was the backbone of US Navy carrier operations during the Vietnam War. It bridges the massive performance and technology gap between the early A-4s and top-tier strike jets.

The Avionics Hump (The “Camel”): This variant introduced the distinctive grised spine housing advanced ECM (AN/ALQ-100) and the AN/APQ-145 terrain-mapping radar. In-game, this would grant the aircraft superior radar warning receiver (RWR) capabilities and countermeasure capacity.
Expanded Arsenal: The A-4F would introduce early precision-guided munitions to the US tree, such as the AGM-62 Walleye I TV-guided bombs and AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missiles, making it a highly historical and rewarding 9.0–9.3 BR addition.
The “Buddy Store” Mechanic:The A-4F could introduce a unique support mechanic to War Thunder: the D-704 refueling pod, allowing players to share fuel with team members in Enduring Confrontation (EC) or Air Realistic Battles.

Why the A-4M Skyhawk II is Urgently Needed

The A-4M was built exclusively for the US Marine Corps (USMC) in the 1970s. It represents the absolute pinnacle of the Skyhawk design and would serve as the ultimate 10.0–10.3 Close Air Support (CAS) option.

Massive Performance Upgrade: Powered by the Pratt & Whitney J52-P-408A engine (50 kN of thrust), the A-4M completely solves the energy retention problems of the early Skyhawks. It possesses incredible acceleration and climb rates, turning it into a dangerous dogfighter when empty.
The ARBS System (Angle Rate Bombing System): Featuring the distinctive glass nose, this laser/TV tracking system would give the US tree a dedicated platform for AGM-65E Laser Mavericks and Paveway GBU-12/16 Laser-Guided Bombs ,
True All-Aspect Air Defense:Unlike earlier models, the A-4M was wired for AIM-9L Sidewinders. This would allow it to counter high-tier enemy jets and helicopters head-on in Ground Realistic Battles.
Improved Pilot Ergonomics:The enlarged canopy provides drastically better cockpit visibility for Simulator Battles (SB) players.

Conclusion & Tech Tree Placement

Currently, US Ground RB players around BR 10.0 lack a dedicated, nimble, and modern light attacker. The A-4M would perfectly fill the gap right before the A-10A. It uses existing flight model assets already implemented for the Israeli A-4N, meaning **Gaijin would require minimal development time to bring this highly requested vehicle to life.

The USMC and US Navy lines deserve their finest hour.Gib A-4F and A-4M!

[RDXRooster63]

Write a suggestion, but check to make sure one isn’t already written. If you r never written one, check the rules and guidelines first

this post in this manner won’t give these Skyhawks the implementation they deserve

[more_bid]

there is, its been stuck in consideration hell for 2 years

McDonell Douglas A-4M Skyhawk II - The Last American Scooter

poll [image] McDonell Douglas A-4M Skyhawk II HUGE THANKS to @Shin_Kazama for providing sources! Historical overview

Spoiler

The A-4 Skyhawk is a single-seat, single-engine naval strike aircraft. Designed by Ed Heinemann, it was contracted for in June 1952 and two years later it flew for the first time. Having participated in numerous conflicts and still in service to this day, it is undoubtedly one of the most succesful designs in military aviation history. The particular variant this sug…

with the model found in the files from 4 years ago, although its missing ALR-45 warning antenna

[RDXRooster63]

well RIP

[LeonDasPro-live]

There is already a suggestion for the A-4F, however I feel it should really be split in to 2 sub-variants:

1. A-4F ‘Fox’ - J52-P-8A engine with 9,300 lbf (41 kN) of thrust,

2. A-4F ‘Super Fox’ - upgraded in service to the J52-P-408 with 11,200 lbf

What is often overlooked is the SF upgrade not only changed the engine but also added wider intakes and a longer jetpipe. With the significant thrust increase and subsequent performance boost I believe the two would be better treated seperately. If done correctly it would require a revised model rather than the usual mere ticking the box with an engine mod.

As a bonus it would also allow both a TT and Premium version with only a minor, but noticeable, performance difference.