5 Facts About The Navy A-7 Corsair

The Navy A-7 Corsair was a single-seat, carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft that played a significant role in the United States military during the 1960s and 1970s. Here are five interesting facts about this iconic aircraft.

The A-7 Corsair was developed by Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) as a replacement for the A-4 Skyhawk and the A-1 Skyraider. The aircraft made its first flight in 1965 and entered service with the United States Navy in 1967. The A-7 Corsair was known for its exceptional range, maneuverability, and payload capacity, making it an ideal platform for ground-attack missions.

Design and Development

The A-7 Corsair was designed to be a rugged and reliable aircraft, capable of operating from aircraft carriers in a variety of environments. The aircraft featured a wingspan of 46 feet 2 inches and a length of 48 feet 1 inch. The A-7 Corsair was powered by a single Allison TF41-A-2 turbofan engine, which produced 14,500 pounds of thrust. The aircraft had a maximum takeoff weight of 41,000 pounds and a maximum speed of 693 miles per hour.

Advanced Avionics

The A-7 Corsair featured advanced avionics for its time, including a Head-Up Display (HUD) and a Weapons Release Computer (WRC). The HUD displayed critical flight information, such as altitude, airspeed, and heading, while the WRC enabled the pilot to accurately deliver ordnance. The aircraft also featured a terrain-following radar, which allowed the pilot to fly at low altitudes and navigate through challenging terrain.

Operational History

The A-7 Corsair saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, with the first A-7 squadrons deploying to Southeast Asia in 1967. The aircraft played a significant role in the war, conducting thousands of sorties and delivering ordnance against enemy targets. The A-7 Corsair also saw service during the 1970s and 1980s, participating in various military operations and exercises.

Foreign Service

In addition to its service with the United States Navy, the A-7 Corsair was also exported to several foreign countries, including Greece, Portugal, and Thailand. The aircraft saw combat during the Greek-Turkish conflict in 1974 and was used by the Portuguese Air Force during the Mozambican War of Independence.

Legacy

The A-7 Corsair played a significant role in the development of modern naval aviation, demonstrating the effectiveness of carrier-based light attack aircraft. The aircraft's advanced avionics and payload capacity made it an ideal platform for ground-attack missions, and its ruggedness and reliability made it a favorite among pilots. Although the A-7 Corsair is no longer in service, its legacy lives on in the form of its successor, the A-10 Thunderbolt II.