Douglas A-4P Skyhawk

Plastic model kit for building a Douglas A-4P Skyhawk fighter aircraft

• Scale 1:48
• Dimensions (assembled): Length 274 mm / Wingspan: 174 mm
• 120+ parts
• Photo-etched parts included
• Not built, not painted
• Paint and glue not included

The A-4P Skyhawk was the export designation for modernized Douglas A-4B Skyhawks that were delivered to the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina) from 1966. In total, Argentina received 50 of these light fighter-bombers, which were overhauled and adapted to the new user's requirements before delivery in the USA. Although they were technically based on the A-4B, they were given the designation A-4P “Caza” in Argentina and developed into one of the most important fighter aircraft in the Argentine Air Force.

The A-4P was powered by a Pratt & Whitney J65-W-16A turbojet with a thrust of around 35.8 kN. The approximately 11-ton aircraft reached a top speed of around 1,080 km/h and had an operational range of more than 1,500 kilometers with additional tanks. The robust and compact design gave the Skyhawk excellent flight characteristics, especially at low altitudes. The standard armament included two permanently installed 20 mm Colt Mk. 12 machine cannons. Bombs, unguided rockets, additional tanks or other external loads with a total weight of over 3,600 kilograms could be carried at five external load stations.

The A-4P gained international fame during the Falklands War in 1982. The Argentine Air Force aircraft flew low-flying attacks against British shipping units under the most difficult conditions and, despite strong air defense, scored several serious hits on Royal Navy warships. The pilots often had to push the limits of the aircraft and crew, as many missions were carried out without aerial refueling and with minimal fuel reserves. At the same time, the lack of modern targeting systems and air-to-air radars as well as the strong British air defense made these missions particularly costly.

The A-4P remained in service with the Argentine Air Force until the 1990s and was gradually replaced by the modernized A-4AR Fightinghawk. Despite its comparatively simple design, the Skyhawk was considered an extremely reliable and easy-to-maintain fighter aircraft. Its high maneuverability, robust construction and considerable weapons load made it one of the most successful light fighter-bombers of the Cold War and one of the most famous aircraft in Argentine military aviation.