Light weight to Medium weight with the precision, maneuverability and speed of the F-8 Crusader, the A-7 fought the A-4 for the Carrier-borne attack role. Three prototypes from Vought were presented to the Navy in March of 1964. First flights weren't until September 1965 and not entered into service until February of 1967. A total of 199 aircraft were delivered, then 196 models of the A-7B, then 67 examples of A-7C, each gradually advancing in engine develoment and electronics upgrades. The army adopted the aircraft with their own little engine, the Rolls-Royce TF31. A lethal aircraft with ever advancing engines and electronics.
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Specifications
Description Data
Developer Vought
Type Carrier-borne attack
Crew
Power Plant Allison Rolls Royce TF41-A-1 turbofan
Wingspan 38.78 ft (11.8 m)
Length 46.13 ft (14.06 m)
Inflight refueling Probe and Drogue
Weight 18,942 lb (8,592 kg)
Radar
Performance
Action Data
Ceiling 43,000 ft (13,106 m)
Max Tow / Max Lift 15,000 lb
Payload 15,000 lb (6,804 kg)
Topspeed
at sea level572 knots (1,060 km/h)
at hight 800 knots
Cruise 470 knots
Combat Radius 410 knot mi
Armament / Ordanace
Type Size Max Placement
6 barrel Auto-cannon 20 mm 300 rds Internal right side Forward nose
Conventional Dumb bombs 15,000 lb (6,804 kg) 1/pilon 3/pilon split
Inindiary or Napalm 50 gal. canister 41/pilon