Difference between revisions of "A-4H (Israel)"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].
+
In 1963, Israel proposed an idea to acquire US Navy surplus Skyhawks or have a special one made for Israel. At the time the proposal was rejected as an attempt for America to remain neutral but that changed three years later. The US planned to make a new variant for Israel called the A-4H. The A-4H was intended to be the regular A-4E but better suited for land-based operations. It was powered by the J52-P-8A, the same engine found in the humpback A-4Es. The A-4H would also be fitted with two 30 mm DEFA cannons rather than the standard armament of 20 mm cannons. Israel received around 90 A-4Hs until they were replaced by the vastly superior F-16 Fighting Falcon.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an excellent aircraft for both air-to-air combat and ground striking. For air combat, the A-4H features a relatively light airframe and powerful J52-P-8A engine which provides a respectable thrust-to-weight ratio. The two 30 mm cannons are devastating to enemy aircraft as well as soft ground targets and some medium tanks. Unfortunately, the A-4H lacks any air-to-air missile, so players are relegated to only guns. As for ground striking, the A-4H has a multitude amount of ground ordnance options so players can make many unique loadouts. However, the A-4H lacks guided suspended weaponry.  
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 129: Line 131:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|SAMP Mk 81 (250 lb)||SAMP Mk 82 (500 lb)|SAMP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
 
−
{{main|100/50 kg G.P. (100 kg)|250/50 kg G.P. (250 kg)|360/50 kg G.P. (360 kg)|500/50 kg G.P. (500 kg)|Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary}}
 
−
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|Mk 11 mod 5 (20 mm)}}
 
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
 
 
−
* Without load
 
−
* 171 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
−
* 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
 
−
* 20 x 100/50 kg G.P. bombs (2,000 kg total)
 
−
* 14 x 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,500 kg total)
 
−
* 3 x 360/50 kg G.P. bombs (1,080 kg total)
 
−
* 3 x 500/50 kg G.P. bombs (1,500 kg total)
 
−
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
 
−
* 9 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
 
−
* 3 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannons (750 rpg = 2,250 total)
 
  
−
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
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| rowspan="14" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_A-4E_Early.png]]</div>
 
| rowspan="14" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_A-4E_Early.png]]</div>
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannons (750 rpg)
+
! [[Mk 11 mod 5 (20 mm)|20 mm Mk 11 mod 5]] cannons (750 rpg)
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 100/50 kg G.P. bombs
+
! [[100/50 kg G.P. (100 kg)|100/50 kg G.P.]] bombs
 
| 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1
 
| 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 250 lb SAMP Mk 81 bombs
+
! [[SAMP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb SAMP Mk 81]] bombs
 
| 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1
 
| 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 250/50 kg G.P. bombs
+
! [[250/50 kg G.P. (250 kg)|250/50 kg G.P.]] bombs
 
| 1 || 3 || 6 || 3 || 1
 
| 1 || 3 || 6 || 3 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 360/50 kg G.P. bombs
+
! [[360/50 kg G.P. (360 kg)|360/50 kg G.P.]] bombs
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 500 lb SAMP Mk 82 bombs
+
! [[SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye]] bombs
 
| 1 || 3 || 6 || 3 || 1
 
| 1 || 3 || 6 || 3 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 500/50 kg G.P. bombs
+
! [[SAMP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb SAMP Mk 82]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 3 || 6 || 3 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[500/50 kg G.P. (500 kg)|500/50 kg G.P.]] bombs
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 1,000 lb SAMP Mk 83 bombs
+
! [[SAMP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb SAMP Mk 83]] bombs
 
| || 1 || 3 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 3 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
+
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
 
| || || 1 || ||
 
| || || 1 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
+
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
 
| 1 || 2 || 3 || 2 || 1
 
| 1 || 2 || 3 || 2 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 
| 19 || 38 || 57 || 38 || 19
 
| 19 || 38 || 57 || 38 || 19
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
+
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
 
| 4 || 8 || 12 || 8 || 4
 
| 4 || 8 || 12 || 8 || 4
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible weight: 2,710 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 900 kg
+
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,720 kg<br>Maximum permissible wing load: 1,860 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
* Without load
 +
* 171 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
 +
* 20 x 100/50 kg G.P. bombs (2,000 kg total)
 +
* 14 x 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,500 kg total)
 +
* 3 x 360/50 kg G.P. bombs (1,080 kg total)
 +
* 3 x 500/50 kg G.P. bombs (1,500 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 14 x 500 lb SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye bombs (7,000 lb total)
 +
* 9 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
 +
* 3 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannons (750 rpg = 2,250 total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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== Operational History ==
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== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
In the early 1960s, Israel was keen to purchase Skyhawks from the U.S. either from surplus inventory or new planes being built for sale specifically to Israel. At first, the U.S. rejected Israel's request for A-4s in an effort to remain neutral to the Arab world. However, a few years later, the U.S. changed its mind and allowed Israel to purchase Skyhawks. Israel sent out an order of 48 A-4H Skyhawks. The A-4H was an A-4E but with a better engine (J52-P-8A), modified vertical stabilizer with an IFF (AN/APX-46), a drag chute, and didn't have the "humpback" which housed avionics. The A-4Hs arrived in Israel in late 1967 and the Israelis replaced the 20-millimeter cannons with DEFA 30-millimeter cannons.
  
−
Israel was the largest export customer for Skyhawks. The Skyhawk was the first U.S. warplane to be offered to the Israeli Air Force, marking the point where the U.S. took over from France as Israel's chief military supplier. Deliveries began after the Six-Day War, and A-4s soon formed the backbone of the IAF's ground-attack force. In IAF Service, the A-4 Skyhawk was named as the ''Ayit'' (Hebrew: עיט, for Eagle).
+
A-4Hs saw action very quickly after procurement in Jordan during the War of Attrition. Israel later increased the order to 90 A-4Hs. During the Yom Kippur War, Israel suffered heavy losses of their A-4Hs and acquired more A-4Es from the US Navy and Marines. In an effort to reduce losses, Israel extended the exhaust tailpipe to reduce losses from heat-seeking missiles by moving the detonation further away from the aircraft. Some A-4Hs also had their J52-P-8A engines replaced with the J-52-P-408N (same engine in the A-4N), which is an increase of over 750 kgf of thrust.
−
 
 
−
They cost only a quarter of what a Phantom II cost and carried half of its payload. Starting in 1966, Israel purchased 217 A-4s, plus another 46 that were transferred from U.S. units in Operation Nickel Grass to compensate for large losses during the Yom Kippur War.
 
−
 
 
−
An Israeli Air Force A-4F Skyhawk on display
 
−
 
 
−
In the late 1960s and 1970s, Israeli Air Force Skyhawks were the primary ground attack aircraft in the War of Attrition and the Yom Kippur War. Skyhawks carried out bombing missions in the Yom Kippur War, and a considerable proportion of the tactical sorties. ACIG.org claims that at least nine A-4 Skyhawks were downed by MiG-21s and MiG-17s during Yom Kippur war. Formal Israeli sources claim only five Israeli Air Force aircraft, of any type, were shot down in air-to-air duels.
 
−
 
 
−
In May 1970, an Israeli Skyhawk piloted by Col. Ezra Dotan shot down two MiG-17s over south Lebanon (one with unguided rockets, the other with 30 mm cannon fire) even though the Skyhawk's head-up display has no "air-to-air mode". However, up to three Skyhawks were downed by Egyptian MiG-21 fighters, plus two were downed by Soviet-piloted MiG-21s during the War of Attrition.
 
−
 
 
−
A special version of the A-4 was developed for the IAF, the A-4H. This was an A-4E which featured improved avionics and the improved thrust J52-P-8A engine. Armament consisted of twin DEFA 30 mm cannon in place of the Colt Mk.12 20 mm cannons. Later modifications included the avionics hump and an extended tailpipe, implemented in Israel by IAI. The extended tailpipe gave greater protection against heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles. A total of 90 A-4Hs were delivered, and were Heyl Ha'avir's (Israels Air Force) primary attack plane in the War of Attrition.
 
−
 
 
−
IAF A-4Hs awaiting disposal in 2009 following their retirement
 
−
 
 
−
In early 1973, the improved A-4N Skyhawk for Israel entered service, based on the A-4M models used by the U.S. Marine Corps. The different model Skyhawks carried out bombing missions in the Yom Kippur War, and a considerable proportion of the tactical sorties. They also attacked in Operation Peace for the Galilee, and one of them shot down a Syrian MiG-17.
 
−
 
 
−
The IAF also operated two-seat models, for operations as well as advanced training and retraining. The first training models arrived in 1967, with the first batch of Skyhawks. During the Yom Kippur war, the Skyhawk order of battle was reinforced with TA-4F and TA-4J models. The IAF selected in 2003 RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. to upgrade its A-4 trainer fleet with weapon delivery, navigation and training systems. Integration of a multifunction and Head-up Display produced an advanced Lead in fighter trainer for the IAF's future fighter pilots.<sup>[''citation needed'']</sup>
 
−
 
 
−
According to acig.org, Syria claimed that two Israeli A-4 Skyhawks were downed by Syrian MiG-23s over northern Lebanon on 26 April 1981. However, official Israeli Air Force statistics do not list any downing of Israeli warplanes since the Yom Kippur War, and no loss of aircraft was reported on that date.
 
−
 
 
−
During the 1982 Lebanon War an Israeli A-4 piloted by Aharon Achiaz was shot down over Lebanon by a SA-7 on 6 June 1982. Israel reported this was one of its only two fixed-wing aircraft shot down over the Beqaa Valley during air battles spanning from 6 June 1982 to 11 June 1982 where 150 aircraft took part, including the battle on 9 June 1982 known as Operation Mole Cricket 19.
 
−
 
 
−
In October 2008, it was decided due to maintenance issues that the A-4 Skyhawk fleet would be withdrawn and replaced by more modern aircraft, able to perform equally well in the training role and, if required, close support and interdiction missions on the battlefield. Some of Israel's A-4s were later exported to Indonesia. The Skyhawks have been replaced by F-16s in combat roles but are still used for pilot training. All the remaining A-4s aircraft were to be fully phased out beginning by 2014 as the IAF accepts delivery of Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master jets. Skyhawks were last used in combat operations in the Israel airforce in 2012, when they dropped leaflets over Gaza in 2012.
 
−
 
 
−
In July 2013, Israel began a program called ''Teuza'' (boldness) for the purpose of turning some military bases into sales lots for obsolete IDF equipment. Older models that are not suited for Israel's modern high-tech forces will be sold off, or sold for scrap if there are no buyers. A-4 Skyhawk jets are among those being offered.
 
−
 
 
−
On 13 December 2015, all remaining Israeli A-4 Skyhawks were retired from service. The retirement ceremony took place at Hatzerim IDF base.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 272: Line 252:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[A-4 (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 22:07, 6 November 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the strike aircraft A-4H (Israel). For other versions, see A-4 (Family).
A-4H
a_4h.png
GarageImage A-4H (Israel).jpg
A-4H
Israel flag.png Israel
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.7 8.3 8.3
Class:
Research:135 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:380 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

In 1963, Israel proposed an idea to acquire US Navy surplus Skyhawks or have a special one made for Israel. At the time the proposal was rejected as an attempt for America to remain neutral but that changed three years later. The US planned to make a new variant for Israel called the A-4H. The A-4H was intended to be the regular A-4E but better suited for land-based operations. It was powered by the J52-P-8A, the same engine found in the humpback A-4Es. The A-4H would also be fitted with two 30 mm DEFA cannons rather than the standard armament of 20 mm cannons. Israel received around 90 A-4Hs until they were replaced by the vastly superior F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Introduced in Update "Winged Lions", the A-4H Skyhawk is an excellent aircraft for both air-to-air combat and ground striking. For air combat, the A-4H features a relatively light airframe and powerful J52-P-8A engine which provides a respectable thrust-to-weight ratio. The two 30 mm cannons are devastating to enemy aircraft as well as soft ground targets and some medium tanks. Unfortunately, the A-4H lacks any air-to-air missile, so players are relegated to only guns. As for ground striking, the A-4H has a multitude amount of ground ordnance options so players can make many unique loadouts. However, the A-4H lacks guided suspended weaponry.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 0 m1 087 km/h
Turn time34 s
Max altitude12 500 m
EnginePratt & Whitney J52-P-8A
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,074 1,063 12500 34.7 35.9 40.8 40.3 1,000
Upgraded 1,102 1,087 33.6 34.0 70.2 55.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,167 437 592 562 410 ~8 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 450 < 700 < 490 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8A 1 4,749 kg 299 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 11m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 39m fuel
950 kg Axial-flow turbojet 5,489 kg 5,992 kg 6,613 kg 7,217 kg 11,113 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 11m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 39m fuel MTOW
Stationary 3,754 kgf N/A 0.68 0.63 0.57 0.52 0.34
Optimal 3,754 kgf
(0 km/h) 		N/A 0.68 0.63 0.57 0.52 0.34

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear437 km/h

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 007 → 4 086 Sl icon.png
RB8 455 → 11 490 Sl icon.png
SB10 628 → 14 443 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications120 200 Rp icon.png
193 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training110 000 Sl icon.png
Experts380 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces830 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
208 / 208 / 208 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
4 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
4 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
aden_belt_pack
Research:
4 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
100/50 G.P.
Research:
4 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
MK 77
Research:
4 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
aden_new_gun
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
250/50 G.P.
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod Mk 4 Mod 0
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
500/50 G.P.
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
Mk11_belt_pack
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: DEFA 552 (30 mm)

The A-4H (Israel) is armed with:

  • 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552 cannons, belly-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)

Suspended armament

The A-4H (Israel) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5
Hardpoints A-4E Early.png
20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannons (750 rpg) 1 1 1
100/50 kg G.P. bombs 1 6 6 6 1
250 lb SAMP Mk 81 bombs 1 6 6 6 1
250/50 kg G.P. bombs 1 3 6 3 1
360/50 kg G.P. bombs 1 1 1
500 lb SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye bombs 1 3 6 3 1
500 lb SAMP Mk 82 bombs 1 3 6 3 1
500/50 kg G.P. bombs 1 1 1
1,000 lb SAMP Mk 83 bombs 1 3 1
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1
Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs 1 2 3 2 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 19 38 57 38 19
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 4 8 12 8 4
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,720 kg
Maximum permissible wing load: 1,860 kg
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 171 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
  • 20 x 100/50 kg G.P. bombs (2,000 kg total)
  • 14 x 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,500 kg total)
  • 3 x 360/50 kg G.P. bombs (1,080 kg total)
  • 3 x 500/50 kg G.P. bombs (1,500 kg total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 14 x 500 lb SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye bombs (7,000 lb total)
  • 9 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
  • 3 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannons (750 rpg = 2,250 total)

Usage in battles

The A-4H is a versatile aircraft which fits into a wide range of playstyles. Varying from close air support (CAS) to base bomber or even as an air superiority fighter. Players who yield such a tool as the A-4H Skyhawk have a lot of options when it comes to playstyle choices.

Ground Realistic Battles (RB)

For those interested in its CAS abilities, it comes with a wide range of ordnance and a radar warning receiver (RWR). The best way to utilise the plane in this role is to use the ordnance to aid allied ground units in tight situations and clear a path for them to reach their respective objectives. RWR will help you by making you aware of any enemy or allied anti-air systems that choose to make you their prey.

Air Battles (AB/RB/SB)

For those interested in Air Battles, there are multiple ways you can make yourself an asset to the team. You can use your very respectable bomb and rocket payloads to help allies destroy enemy bases and ground units to bleed tickets.

The A-4H can also go in light as an air superiority fighter. The plane has a good rate of climb and roll rate, meaning you can employ hit and run tactics on your opponents, or go all-in and get personal with the enemy aircraft. The A-4's biggest opponents are the MiG-15/17 and G.91 R series. The A-4H is a very capable plane in the right hands but is hard to fly, especially against a proven aircraft such as the MiG-17. The poor energy retention can put you at a huge disadvantage against such opponents if you are not careful in managing your air speed. This means that you should only engage in tight and personal fights when you are sure you can finish them quickly and escape. For those who are newer, staying close to teammates and helping each other is generally a very effective tactic in the A-4H and generally yields the best chance for survival and success in the Skyhawk. For those more daring, flying solo is very possible but requires and higher level of awareness and tactical knowledge, the unforgiving nature of the plane depends on it.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent acceleration and climb rate
  • Good roll rate
  • Good instantaneous turn rate
  • Good variety of ground attack ordnance
  • Twin 30 mm DEFA cannons will take down any enemy aircraft
  • Can carry 3 x additional 20 mm Mk 11 cannons
  • You can't deploy landing flaps if your flight speed is too high, avoiding accidental destruction

Cons:

  • Wings rip easily in tight high speed manoeuvres
  • Low ammo on main guns
  • Poor energy retention
  • Wing slats extend only at very low speeds
  • No air-to-air missiles (AAMs)
  • Only one fuel tank is self-sealing (the one in the fuselage)
  • Carrying heavy payload significantly reduces flight performance


History

In the early 1960s, Israel was keen to purchase Skyhawks from the U.S. either from surplus inventory or new planes being built for sale specifically to Israel. At first, the U.S. rejected Israel's request for A-4s in an effort to remain neutral to the Arab world. However, a few years later, the U.S. changed its mind and allowed Israel to purchase Skyhawks. Israel sent out an order of 48 A-4H Skyhawks. The A-4H was an A-4E but with a better engine (J52-P-8A), modified vertical stabilizer with an IFF (AN/APX-46), a drag chute, and didn't have the "humpback" which housed avionics. The A-4Hs arrived in Israel in late 1967 and the Israelis replaced the 20-millimeter cannons with DEFA 30-millimeter cannons.

A-4Hs saw action very quickly after procurement in Jordan during the War of Attrition. Israel later increased the order to 90 A-4Hs. During the Yom Kippur War, Israel suffered heavy losses of their A-4Hs and acquired more A-4Es from the US Navy and Marines. In an effort to reduce losses, Israel extended the exhaust tailpipe to reduce losses from heat-seeking missiles by moving the detonation further away from the aircraft. Some A-4Hs also had their J52-P-8A engines replaced with the J-52-P-408N (same engine in the A-4N), which is an increase of over 750 kgf of thrust.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links


Douglas Aircraft Company
Strike Aircraft  A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H
Bombers  TBD-1 · B-18A · SBD-3 · BTD-1 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT
Turboprops  A2D-1
Jet Aircraft  F3D-1 · F4D-1
A-4 Skyhawk  A-4B · A-4E Early
Export  ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7 · ▂A-20G-30 · ▄AD-4 · ▄AD-4NA
A-4 Skyhawk  A-4H · A-4E Early (M) · Ayit · A-4E
  The Douglas Aircraft Company merged with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas.

Israel jet aircraft
  Kfir Canard · Kfir C.2 · Kfir C.7 · Nesher
Britain 
Meteor  Meteor NF.13 · Meteor F.8
France 
Vautour  Vautour IIA · Vautour IIN
Super Mystere  Sambad · Sa'ar
Mirage III  Shahak
Other  M.D.450B Ouragan · Mystere IVA
USA 
F-84  F-84F
A-4  A-4H · A-4E Early (M) · A-4E · Ayit
F-4  Kurnass · Kurnass 2000
F-15  Baz
F-16  Netz · Barak II

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