Introduction to the LTV A-7 Corsair II
The LTV A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft developed by Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV). The A-7 was designed to provide close air support and interdiction capabilities for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. In this article, we will delve into seven interesting facts about the LTV A-7 Corsair II.
1. Origins and Design
The A-7 Corsair II was developed in the 1960s as a replacement for the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. The aircraft’s design was influenced by the successful F-8 Crusader, with a focus on reducing costs and increasing performance. The A-7’s design featured a unique trapezoidal wing shape, which provided excellent stability and maneuverability. The aircraft’s length was approximately 46 feet (14 meters), with a wingspan of around 39 feet (12 meters).
2. Engines and Performance
The A-7 Corsair II was powered by a single Allison TF41-A-1 turbofan engine, which produced 14,500 pounds of thrust. This engine allowed the aircraft to achieve a maximum speed of around 625 miles per hour (1,006 kilometers per hour). The A-7’s range was approximately 3,200 miles (5,150 kilometers), making it an ideal platform for carrier-based operations.
3. Armament and Payload
The A-7 Corsair II was designed to carry a variety of armaments, including:
- Bombs: MK 82, MK 83, MK 84, and BLU-109
- Rockets: 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra rockets and 5-inch (127 mm) Zuni rockets
- Missiles: AGM-12 Bullpup, AGM-45 Shrike, and AIM-9 Sidewinder
The aircraft’s payload capacity was approximately 15,000 pounds (6,800 kilograms), allowing it to carry a significant amount of ordnance.
4. Avionics and Electronics
The A-7 Corsair II featured advanced avionics and electronics for its time, including:
- AN/APQ-116 Radar: A multi-mode radar system providing air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities
- AN/ARN-118 TACAN: A tactical air navigation system enabling precision navigation
- AN/ASN-86 Inertial Navigation System: A self-contained navigation system providing accurate positioning data
These advanced systems allowed the A-7 to operate effectively in a variety of environments.
5. Operators and Variants
The A-7 Corsair II was operated by the United States Navy and Marine Corps, as well as several foreign countries, including:
- Greece: Hellenic Air Force (operated 60 A-7H and TA-7H aircraft)
- Portugal: Portuguese Air Force (operated 30 A-7P and TA-7P aircraft)
- Thailand: Royal Thai Air Force (operated 14 A-7B and TA-7B aircraft)
Several variants of the A-7 were produced, including the A-7A, A-7B, A-7C, A-7D, and A-7E.
6. Service History
The A-7 Corsair II saw combat in several conflicts, including:
- Vietnam War: A-7s were used extensively by the US Navy and Marine Corps, conducting close air support and interdiction missions
- Lebanon Crisis: A-7s were used by the US Navy to conduct air strikes against Syrian and Palestinian targets
- Gulf War: A-7s were used by the US Navy and Marine Corps to conduct close air support and interdiction missions
The A-7 Corsair II was officially retired from US military service in 1991.
7. Legacy
The LTV A-7 Corsair II played a significant role in the development of modern carrier-based aircraft. Its design influenced the development of subsequent aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Hornet and the F-35 Lightning II. Although the A-7 is no longer in service, its legacy continues to shape the design of modern military aircraft.
📝 Note: The A-7 Corsair II's retirement marked the end of an era for carrier-based attack aircraft. Its replacement, the F/A-18 Hornet, would go on to become a staple of modern naval aviation.
The LTV A-7 Corsair II was an important aircraft in the history of military aviation, providing close air support and interdiction capabilities to the US Navy and Marine Corps. Its design and capabilities paved the way for the development of modern carrier-based aircraft.
What was the primary role of the LTV A-7 Corsair II?
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The primary role of the LTV A-7 Corsair II was to provide close air support and interdiction capabilities for the US Navy and Marine Corps.
How many A-7 Corsair IIs were produced?
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A total of 553 A-7 Corsair IIs were produced between 1965 and 1984.
What was the maximum speed of the A-7 Corsair II?
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The maximum speed of the A-7 Corsair II was approximately 625 miles per hour (1,006 kilometers per hour).
Related Terms:
- A 6 Intruder
- Vought F 8 Crusader
- A 4 Skyhawk
- F 4 Phantom II
- Ling temco vought
