Intro
Discover the 7 key features of the A-7E Corsair II, a legendary attack aircraft that dominated the skies. Learn about its advanced avionics, precision strike capabilities, and robust design. Explore its exceptional range, payload capacity, and maneuverability, making it a formidable force in combat. Get inside the cockpit of this iconic plane.
The A-7E Corsair II is a single-seat, subsonic, carrier-based attack aircraft that was used by the United States Navy from the 1960s to the 1990s. Developed by LTV (Ling-Temco-Vought) Aerospace, the A-7E is an improved version of the A-7A, with enhanced avionics, radar, and armament capabilities. Here are seven key features of the A-7E Corsair II:
1. Design and Development
The A-7E Corsair II was designed to replace the A-4 Skyhawk and A-6 Intruder attack aircraft in the US Navy's inventory. The aircraft's design was influenced by the requirement for a subsonic, carrier-based attack aircraft that could deliver precision-guided munitions. The A-7E first flew in 1965, and it entered service with the US Navy in 1967.
Key Design Features
- The A-7E has a length of 48 feet 1 inch (14.66 meters) and a wingspan of 38 feet 9 inches (11.81 meters).
- The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 42,000 pounds (19,051 kilograms).
- The A-7E is powered by a single Allison TF41-A-2 turbofan engine, which produces 14,500 pounds of thrust.
2. Avionics and Radar
The A-7E has an advanced avionics system, which includes a Westinghouse AN/APQ-126 pulse-doppler radar, a AN/ARN-118 TACAN navigation system, and a AN/ASN-90 inertial navigation system.
Key Avionics Features
- The AN/APQ-126 radar system provides the A-7E with air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting capabilities.
- The AN/ARN-118 TACAN system enables the A-7E to navigate and locate targets.
- The AN/ASN-90 inertial navigation system provides the A-7E with precise navigation and targeting data.
3. Armament and Payload
The A-7E has a maximum payload capacity of 15,000 pounds (6,804 kilograms), which can be carried on six underwing pylons.
Key Armament Features
- The A-7E can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-62 Walleye.
- The aircraft can also carry precision-guided munitions, such as the Paveway laser-guided bomb.
- The A-7E has a 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon, which is mounted in the fuselage.
4. Performance and Range
The A-7E has a maximum speed of Mach 0.88 (647 mph or 1,041 km/h) and a range of 2,400 nautical miles (4,444 kilometers).
Key Performance Features
- The A-7E has a service ceiling of 40,000 feet (12,192 meters).
- The aircraft has a rate of climb of 15,000 feet per minute (76.2 meters per second).
- The A-7E has a maximum g-force limit of 6.5 g.
5. Operational History
The A-7E Corsair II saw extensive service with the US Navy during the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. The aircraft was also used by the Greek Air Force and the Portuguese Air Force.
Key Operational Features
- The A-7E flew its first combat mission in 1967, during the Vietnam War.
- The aircraft played a key role in the Gulf War, flying thousands of sorties and delivering precision-guided munitions.
- The A-7E was retired from US Navy service in 1991.
6. Variants and Upgrades
The A-7E Corsair II has undergone several upgrades and modernizations, including the A-7E Plus and the A-7E Plus II.
Key Variant Features
- The A-7E Plus features improved avionics and radar systems.
- The A-7E Plus II has enhanced precision-guided munitions capabilities.
7. Legacy and Impact
The A-7E Corsair II has had a significant impact on the development of modern attack aircraft.
Key Legacy Features
- The A-7E's design influenced the development of later attack aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Hornet.
- The aircraft's precision-guided munitions capabilities set a new standard for attack aircraft.
- The A-7E's operational history has provided valuable lessons for modern military planners.
A-7E Corsair II Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the A-7E Corsair II's key features and capabilities. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.