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    The Vought A-7 Corsair Ii Was A Versatile Aircraft That Played A Crucial Role In The Vietnam War And Beyond

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    Vought A-7 Corsair IIs and Lockheed S-3 Vikings, USS Constellation (CVA 64)” by kitchener.lord is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    The A-7 was developed in the early 1960s to replace the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Its design was based on the Vought F-8 Crusader; compared to the F-8, the A-7 is smaller and limited to subsonic speeds, making its airframe simpler and more cost-effective.

    Vought A-7 Corsair II attack planes fly in echelon formation over USS Enterprise (CVN 65)” by kitchener.lord is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    Vought won a contract from the United States Navy (USN) in response to the VAL (Heavier-than-air, Attack, Light) requirement, leading to the issuance of an initial contract for the A-7 on 8 February 1964. Development progressed quickly, with the first flight taking place on 26 September 1965 and the aircraft entering squadron service with the USN on 1 February 1967. By the end of that year, A-7s were already being deployed overseas for the Vietnam War.

    LTV (Ling Temco-Vought) A-7 ‘Corsair IIs’” by aeroman3 is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

    Initially introduced by the USN, the A-7 garnered interest from other branches of the military, eventually being adopted by the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Air National Guard (ANG) to replace their aging Douglas A-1 Skyraider and North American F-100 Super Sabre fleets.

    LTV (Ling Temco-Vought) A-7 ‘Corsair II’ (BuNo 160550) USS America (CV-66)” by aeroman3 is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

    Successive models of the A-7 were developed, featuring more powerful engines and advanced avionics. American A-7s saw action in various significant conflicts, including the Invasion of Grenada, Operation El Dorado Canyon, and the Gulf War. The aircraft was also instrumental in supporting the development of the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk.

    Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) A-7-2-CV Corsair II (BuNo 156745) VA-82 ‘Mauraders’ dropping Mk-81 Snakeye bombs.” by aeroman3 is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

    During the 1970s, Greece and, later, Portugal acquired the A-7. The USAF and USN retired their remaining A-7s in 1991, followed by the ANG in 1993 and the Portuguese Air Force in 1999. The A-7 was gradually replaced by newer fighter aircraft like the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The Hellenic Air Force, the final operator of the A-7, phased out the last of these aircraft in 2014.

    Vought A-7 Corsair II” by Eric Friedebach is licensed under CC BY 2.0

    In 1960, the United States Navy (USN) officials initiated discussions regarding the replacement of the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, a light attack aircraft in service. It was uncertain at that time that the A-4 would continue production until 1979. Some believed that there was a need for a more advanced attack platform capable of supersonic speeds, carrying heavier payloads, and flying longer distances. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara was among those advocating for a new attack aircraft.

    Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II ‘154538 / 512’ ‘6A159’” by VISIT YOUR LOCAL AIR MUSEUM (HawkeyeUK) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    The Sea-Based Air Strike Forces (SBASF) study group began evaluating performance and cost details in December 1962. They examined 144 hypothetical aircraft to support their conclusions. The studies revealed that a subsonic aircraft would offer better performance than a supersonic one. By focusing on subsonic speeds, the airframe could be smaller, cheaper, and easier to produce, allowing for larger quantities to be acquired. Development speed was also enhanced by sticking to subsonic capabilities, providing an advantage. Emphasis was placed on precise weapon delivery to reduce munitions costs per target.

    Vought A-7 Corsair II” by Eric Friedebach is licensed under CC BY 2.0

    On 17 May 1963, the draft requirement known as VAL (Heavier-than-air, Attack, Light) was formulated based on these criteria. The request for proposals (RFP) associated with the requirement was issued on 29 May 1963. To control costs, all proposals had to be based on existing designs. Vought, Douglas Aircraft, Grumman, and North American Aviation opted to submit proposals.

    Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II BuNo 156804 (C/N: E-071) (National Naval Aviation Museum)” by TDelCoro is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    The Vought proposal, inspired by their successful F-8 Crusader fighter, featured a similar configuration but had a shorter airframe with a rounded nose, resulting in a more compact appearance.

    Vought A-7 Corsair II” by Will Prescott is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

    In 1965, the A-7 was officially named Corsair II, paying homage to Vought’s previous Corsair aircraft. The name was chosen to establish a connection between the new aircraft and its predecessors, all intended for the ground attack role. The first A-7A took its maiden flight on 27 September 1965. Vought publicly showcased the aircraft on 2 November 1965, demonstrating its impressive capabilities to carry a substantial bombload over long distances.

    Vought A-7 Corsair II” by Diorama Sky is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    The A-7 boasted more advanced avionics and systems compared to other contemporary aircraft. One of its key features was the data link capabilities, which included the ability to perform “hands-off” carrier landings when used in conjunction with its approach power compensator (APC) or auto throttle. Another notable piece of equipment was the projected map display located just below the radar scope.

    Vought A-7 Corsair II” by MultiplyLeadership is licensed under CC BY 2.0

    This display was synchronized with the inertial navigation system, providing a detailed map image of the aircraft’s position overlaid on TPC/JNC charts. Additionally, when connected to the all-axis auto pilot, the inertial navigation system could guide the aircraft “hands off” to up to nine different waypoints.

    Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II over Marlborough” by Gary Danvers is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

    Outstanding characteristics such as superior flying capabilities, rugged survivability, and cutting-edge avionics, including the first heads-up display in a U.S. aircraft, contributed to the Corsair II’s reputation. Its range and payload capacity outperformed the competition, with an operational combat range of over 1,200 miles and a bomb-carrying capacity of up to 15,000 lbs.

    Vought A-7 Corsair II” by vandono is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

    The A-7’s engine efficiency also represented a leap forward in operational cost savings. Compared to the fuel consumption of its contemporaries, the A-7D showcased remarkable fuel efficiency, which contributed significantly to its range capabilities and overall operational success.

    Vought A-7 Corsair II , 72-0213” by Eric Friedebach is licensed under CC BY 2.0

    The Corsair II’s service life spanned an impressive 25 years, participating in conflicts from Vietnam to Operation Desert Storm. Even after the U.S. Navy retired the A-7, it continued to serve with the air forces of Portugal and Greece until the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

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