Douglas A-4F Skyhawk, 155033 / 13849, National Museum of Naval Aviation
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 155033
Construction Number: 13849
Code Number: 3
Model Douglas A-4F Skyhawk
Operator: National Museum of Naval Aviation
Airport: Pensacola NAS (NPA / KNPA), USA - Florida
Display Team: Blue Angels
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 08/1996
Date Submitted: 21/02/2009
Displayed on the left side of the diamond formation of four A-4 Skyhawks, suspended from the roof of the Atrium at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. Beginning in 1973, 18 A-4Fs were specially reconfigured for use by the Blue Angels, entering service with the team in December 1974. Refinements inclued removal of the "humpback" avionics pod, a drag chute, control stick "load feel" bungees, a smoke generation system, an inverted flight fuel system, alteration of the horizontal stabilizer trim, permanent closure of the wing slats and a self-contained, foldable cockpit access ladder. Additionally, the Blue Angels were assigned four TA-4Js. This particular A-4F was one of ten 'F's delivered to the Angels as replacement aircraft during the team's history with the Skyhawk. On 8 November 1986 the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year and unveiled the team's current mount, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.
Picture ID:1159674