High Gallery
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U. S.
Military Aircraft Grumman A-6 Intruder Photo By Coll B. Thouanel |
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Despite its elderly basic design, the A-6 remains one of the US. Navy most important assets, and it still able to attack distant targets with pinpoint accuracy using a heavy weight of ordnance under all weather conditions by day or night. In 1957 the G-123 was selected as the best of 11 design submitted to meet a medium attack plane requirement. The type was first designated A2F, and the first of six YA2F-1 service test aircraft flew in April 1960. Production of the A-6A (before 1962 the A2f-1) lasted to 1969 and amounted to 484 aircraft with 8,500-lb thrust J52-P-6s and the advanced digital Integrated Attack Navigation Equipment, which at first caused maintenance problems. The A-6A was thoroughly tested in the Vietnam War , and emerged with a superb reputation. The definitive Intruder appeared in 1972 as the A-6E with more power and solid state electronics. production was 129, and 192 A-6As were converted to this standard. |
TECHNICAL DATA
| Description | Specifications |
| Manufacturer: Grumman | Length: 54 ft. 9 in. |
| First Flight: April, 1960 | Height: 16 ft. 2 in. |
| Model: E | Wing Span: 53 ft. 0 in. |
| Crew: Two | Wing Area: 528.9 sq. ft. |
| Nickname: Intruder | Empty Weight: 26,746 lb. |
| Basic Role: Carrierborne medium attack aircraft. | Max. Weight: 60,400 lb. |
| Other
Versions: A-6A initial model. A-6B conversions with the standard
ARM anti radar missile. A-6C conversions with optronic
sensors for low level attack on point targets. KA-6D conversions as "Buddy"
refueling tankers.
A-6E definitive model. |
Armament: Up to 18,000 lb. of disposable stores. |
| Principal User: USA |
Propulsion |
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Performance |
Power Plant: Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8A turbojets. |
| Range: 1,011 miles. | Horsepower: 9,300-hp thrust. |
| Max. Speed: 648 mph. | No. Of Engines: Two |
| Ceiling: 47,500 ft. | |
| Climb Rate: 47,500 ft. |