A-7K

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This page is about the gift American strike aircraft A-7K. For other versions, see A-7 Corsair II (Family).
A-7K
a_7k.png
GarageImage A-7K.jpg
A-7K
AB RB SB
11.0 11.0 10.0
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The A-7K Corsair II is a subsonic (originally naval) strike aircraft, produced by Vought Aeronautics Division of LTV Aerospace Corporation. The A-7K was a dual seat variant of the A-7D built for the USAF; the A-7K specifically for the Air National Guard by lengthening the nose of the aircraft. The A-7K was mostly used for training, with 30 built to supplement the A-7Ds already in service. In the 1980s, several aircraft were equipped with a thermal sight, and this is the variant represented in-game.

The A-7K was introduced during Update "Sky Guardians" as a reward for the "Repair Factory" event, and has a large advantage over the tech tree A-7D, as like the A-7E it gains access to a thermal sight, which makes spotting targets from a distance much more manageable. It has the same anti-tank armament as the A-7D, with access to the Maverick B and the GBU-8 "Hobo"; this means the aircraft is still incapable of using guided munitions at night despite having access to a thermal sight. The anti-air capability is much improved compared to both the D and E variants of the airframe, with the AIM-9L serving as the top air-to-air missile, although at the battle rating the A-7 is placed at these serve purely for self defense.

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
Max speed
at 0 m1 123 km/h
Turn time35 s
Max altitude12 497 m
EngineAllison TF-41-A-2
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight19 t

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

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 1,114 1,108 12497 35.4 37.0 42.2 41.9 1,000
Upgraded ___ ___ __._ __._ __._ __._

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,254 407 484 457 406 ~10 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 700 < 690 < 500 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Allison TF-41-A-2 1 9,196 kg 395 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 53m fuel
1,592 kg Low-bypass turbofan 10,562 kg 10,910 kg 11,768 kg 13,053 kg 13,748 kg _,___ kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 53m fuel MGW
Stationary 4,741 kgf - 0.45 0.43 0.40 0.36 0.34 _.__
Optimal 6,378 kgf
(200 km/h)
- 0.60 0.58 0.54 0.49 0.46 _.__

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear407 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 580 → 4 886 Sl icon.png
RB8 657 → 11 816 Sl icon.png
SB10 849 → 14 808 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications294 000 Rp icon.png
456 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
80 / 330 / 600 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod SUU-23/A.
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod GPU-5/A.
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
BLU-27/B
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
GAU_13A_belt_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
GAU_13A_new_gun
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods optical guided bomb.png
GBU-8
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-65B
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: M61A1 (20 mm)

The A-7K is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (1,000 rpg)
    • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 120 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The A-7K can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

  • Without load
  • 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
  • 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 14 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (10,500 lb total)
  • 12 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 6 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 (8,000 lb total)
  • 6 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
  • 6 x AGM-65B
  • 2 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total)
  • 2 x 30 mm GAU-13/A cannons (353 rpg = 706 total)

The A-7K can carry huge amount of suspended armament for ground attack use. Aircraft starts of with up to 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs, which are enough to dispose of a base in Air RB. After researching 24 x 500 lb Mk 82 bombs the plane is capable of destroying 2 bases in one run. It can also take 14 x 750 lb M117, 12 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 and 6 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs, which are more useful in Ground RB since they offer larger blast radii. For use against ground vehicles the plane can carry 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets, 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 TV-guided bombs and 6 x AGM-65B TV-guided air-to-ground missiles. Guided munitions are used with the LANA Flir Navigation Pod, which provides thermal vision over the battlefield, making spotting targets easier. That makes the A-7K a very potent CAS option that can bring havoc upon the enemy team. The aircraft can also carry 6 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs, and for self-defense against enemy planes it starts with 2 x AIM-9J air-to-air missiles, which can be upgraded to AIM-9Ls. For increased firepower, the plane can take 2 x 20 mm GAU-4 gunpods (with 1,200 rounds each) or 2 x 30 mm GAU-13/A gunpods (with 353 rounds each).

Usage in battles

Air Realistic Battles

In Air RB, the A-7K presents a very limited utility, mainly attacking ground targets. Bases are an option, but its low top speed combined with the limited manoeuvrability while carrying ordinance make it a perilous mission, as you are an easy target for any fighter that can show up, and friendly planes will almost always get there before you do. Flying to the side low to the ground is recommended, until enemy aircraft will back out or start fighting with your team. Then you can target respawning bases behind the frontline, and once you are done, if you didn't get a chance to do so, you can try to use your missiles to take down enemies, but keep in mind you don't want to start actively fighting. If a fighter decides to target you, strongly consider dropping your ordinance and abandoning any bombing run to increase your chances of survival. The strongest enemies you can encounter are the MiG-29, F-16 and F-14. There is nothing the A-7K can realistically do to counter those aircraft, so you want to stay unseen as long as it is possible, though the AIM-9L can occasionally get rid of an unsuspecting target.

Ground Realistic Battles

As a strike aircraft, the A-7K is exceptionally well equipped for CAS missions. Guided ordnance with LANA Flir navigation pod make a very potent combo, allowing you to keep distance from SPAAGs, though SAM SPAAs are still a huge threat, especially the Pantsir-S1, as you spawn within its range. The best thing you can do is fly close to the ground, go to the side of the map and only reveal yourself when you are close to the battlefield. Then, you want to quickly spot SPAAs and target them with your AGMs or guided bombs using the navigation pod. You can also go and check if there are any helicopters up and destroy them so your team can focus more on objectives.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Airframe is relatively sturdy
  • Carries enough ordinance to destroy 2 bases
  • Guided munitions make it very effective for CAS
  • Gets LANA Flir navigation pod for spotting ground targets
  • The internal 20 mm M61A1 rotary cannon can shred enemy aircraft
  • AIM-9Ls can be pretty effective for air-to-air combat

Cons:

  • Poor flight performance
  • Easy target for enemy aircraft
  • Lacks a functional radar
  • Prone to catch fire when hit

History

A-7K of the 152nd Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Arizona Air National Guard, tail number 73-1008
A-7K of the 152nd Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Arizona Air National Guard, circa 1989

As the United States Air Force was pulling out of South Asia in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War, the A-7Ds operating there were returned to the United States. The U.S Department of Defence pushed for these Corsair IIs to be transferred to the U.S Air National Guard, as these aircraft were starting to become obsolete in frontline service, and the LTF-program was almost finished, which would give the Air Force the General Dynamics F-16A Falcon to replace the A-7D in the frontline attack role. The U.S. Air National Guard, unlike the USAF, would ultimately decide that with the transfer of the A-7Ds, they would require a special two-seat training variant to ensure maximum combat training effectiveness on these "new" aircraft.

This special twin-seat training variant designated the A-7K, retained all the features of the base A-7D along with being fully combat capable. The A-7K, and the U.S ANG A-7Ds, would serve for many years more after their "retirement" from the USAF, undergoing a few mid-life upgrades, most famously the LANA-program, which provided the A-7K and A-7D with a new thermal targeting and navigation pod[1].

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

References


Chance Vought Aircraft
Fighters 
Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1C · F4U-1D · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214
Float planes  OS2U-1 · OS2U-3
Attackers  AU-1
Bombers  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3
Jet aircraft 
Corsair II  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
Crusader  F8U-2 · F-8E
Export  V-156-B1 · V-156-F · ▄Corsair F Mk II · F4U-7 · ▄F-8E(FN)
Captured  ▅F4U-1A

USA jet aircraft
  Fighters
F-4  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
F-5  F-5A · F-5C · F-5E · F-20A
F-8  F8U-2 · F-8E
F-80  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
F-84  F-84B-26 · F-84F · F-84G-21-RE
F-86  F-86A-5 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-35
F-89  F-89B · F-89D
F-100  F-100D
F-104  F-104A · F-104C
F-14  F-14A Early · F-14B
F-15  F-15A
F-16  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
F9F  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
Other  P-59A · F2H-2 · F3D-1 · F3H-2 · F4D-1 · F11F-1
  Strike Aircraft
FJ-4  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
A-4  A-4B · A-4E Early
A-6  A-6E TRAM
A-7  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
AV-8  AV-8A · AV-8C
A-10  A-10A · A-10A Late
B-57  B-57A · B-57B
F-105  F-105D
F-111  F-111A