Years ago I saw one of these at an airshow in Minot ND that had been flown in by a female navy pilot. I had quite a conversation with her about it. I still think it's one of the prettiest jet fighters ever built.
Beautifully turned out aircraft. I miss the sound of these buzzing over head through mountain passes at low level. Draken International have what’s left of RNZAF A4K still flying. Amazing just how advanced a lot of aircraft where as early as the 50s and 60s. A4 Still got Mojo!! They served here from 1970 to an untimely 2001 when a change in govt rejected a gift F16 deal and disbanded our strike force. 🇳🇿
Had the chance to ride one from Cubi Pt. to Clark AFB Philippines. back in 1975 while stationed on USS Hancock (CVA-19)........17 yr old, drunk and stupid and missed it. My biggest regret in life.
As long as there is a supply of spare parts to replace the components that DO wear out, the main A-4 airframe itself is essentially as close to immortal as a plane can get. I don't doubt there WILL be A-4s STILL operational in private/contractor hands when the plane hits its century mark. We already know the B-52 WILL hit close to its century mark before its retirement and the C-130 will likely still be around or close to that mark, too. I think they found out the minimum A-4 frame life was AT LEAST 10,000-12,000 fatigue (flight) hours under VIETNAM WAR conditions. Since most flight outside of ACM/adversary training is far less than that, the planes can be run virtually forever as long as they're maintained well. They're cheaper to operate and most of the time customers DO NOT need supersonic capability which makes A-4s even more attractive as targets and DACT trainers. They burn less fuel, too, and if you read pilot testimonies A-4s can stay in the air LONGER than many of the afterburning jet types. There's a multitude of reasons the Blue Angels operated A-4s for 13 years, guys...
A lot of people are finding fault with the steering groundsman. Be not dismayed. In a crowded area, the pilot probably thought it was safer than differential braking. Perhaps what can be done on an aircraft carrier when done with perfectly executed choreography is a different story. Public? You have been schooled.
This one doesn't look like it does. But when they started making the two seaters they put one on I believe. But they must have installed them on the later models. All the squadrons I knew could taxi out with steering. I read where they steered by using the breaks, and that's what it looks like he's doing in this video. Must have been torture on the wearing of the front tire.
Yes WG1979, I think this one is a Heinz 57 varieties build-restoration of a tandem seat front portion grafted onto a single seat main section, where there's a will there's a way. Story and pics on the 518 sites: www.globalaviationresource.com/reports/2010/ta4j.php fightingclassics.com/ta-4-n518ta
The issue isn't with the steering jackass the issue IS the steering jackass, the TA-4J is more than capable of steering itself with that old man's help!
Obviously, the nose wheel steering is disabled. I worked on and was a plane captain on both the TA-4J and A-4E. The latter lacked nose wheel steering and required differential braking. Even so, to make a tight turn, a "tilly bar" was often attached to the nose will so that the plane captain could steer the aircraft. Without that help, heavy braking on the inboard main gear and a lot of throttle was needed to turn.
@@scootergeorge9576 You are exactly correct. We made the decision NOT to reinstall the NWS system because of complexity and failure points. The reason the tow-bar was used was the close proximity of other aircraft and we thought they wouldn't appreciate being blasted by our exhaust. Thanks for setting the record straight.
@@SkyhawkDad - You're welcome. While assigned to VC-13 at Miramar, we traded in about half our TA-4J's for A-4's. The T birds had NWS; the E did not. One pilot, used to the t bird NWS, turning left out of the chocks went wide, very wide. had to stop him and grab tilly. Otherwise he would have hit the next row of aircraft or shut down. In his defense, the port brake was brand new and not seated in.
I think I know pretty well what differential braking is. But to caster the nose wheel takes POWER and then braking as the nose wheel always wants to go straight. And, depending on the slope of the area, it might even be more pronounced. See the L-39 on the starboard side? Do you think he would have appreciated being blasted by 70-100 knots of hot jet exhaust? Using what the Navy called the "Tiller Bar" was SOP on the carrier deck for the very reason I just described. And now YOU know.
Years ago I saw one of these at an airshow in Minot ND that had been flown in by a female navy pilot. I had quite a conversation with her about it. I still think it's one of the prettiest jet fighters ever built.
One of Ed Heine Mann’s greatest designs a real beauty and hot rod in its day. Nice to see one well looked after and flown.
I REALLY miss the Scooter! It was the most fun aircraft I ever flew.
amazing plane!! congratulations from argentina. we know very well the a4 family. ed heinemann was a genious
I loved flying the Scooter!
Finally! A privately owned A-4 with NO drop tanks.
Beautifully turned out aircraft. I miss the sound of these buzzing over head through mountain passes at low level. Draken International have what’s left of RNZAF A4K still flying. Amazing just how advanced a lot of aircraft where as early as the 50s and 60s. A4 Still got Mojo!! They served here from 1970 to an untimely 2001 when a change in govt rejected a gift F16 deal and disbanded our strike force. 🇳🇿
Looks like a TA-4J. I may have done an engine change or two on that bird while with VC-13. : )
Yea, says it on the tailpipe
Brilliant !!!
8 ingleses tuvieron miedo y dieron pulgar abajo!
Solamente Faltan mas Exocets para ganar no mas
I always thought the A-4 got lot less attention so many different aircraft.
How can I pay for a ride?
I'd just like to point out that's a TA-4. Two seat trainer.
Had the chance to ride one from Cubi Pt. to Clark AFB Philippines. back in 1975 while stationed on USS Hancock (CVA-19)........17 yr old, drunk and stupid and missed it. My biggest regret in life.
Love the plane my dad flew an a4 in the navy off the Saratoga CV60 but the video was boring no flying
I will add some videos when I get a chance - just busy with work for awhile.
As long as there is a supply of spare parts to replace the components that DO wear out, the main A-4 airframe itself is essentially as close to immortal as a plane can get. I don't doubt there WILL be A-4s STILL operational in private/contractor hands when the plane hits its century mark. We already know the B-52 WILL hit close to its century mark before its retirement and the C-130 will likely still be around or close to that mark, too.
I think they found out the minimum A-4 frame life was AT LEAST 10,000-12,000 fatigue (flight) hours under VIETNAM WAR conditions.
Since most flight outside of ACM/adversary training is far less than that, the planes can be run virtually forever as long as they're maintained well.
They're cheaper to operate and most of the time customers DO NOT need supersonic capability which makes A-4s even more attractive as targets and DACT trainers. They burn less fuel, too, and if you read pilot testimonies A-4s can stay in the air LONGER than many of the afterburning jet types.
There's a multitude of reasons the Blue Angels operated A-4s for 13 years, guys...
A lot of people are finding fault with the steering groundsman. Be not dismayed. In a crowded area, the pilot probably thought it was safer than differential braking. Perhaps what can be done on an aircraft carrier when done with perfectly executed choreography is a different story. Public? You have been schooled.
sorry but if that is the least risky alternative to getting the jet "round a tight corner" then they know fuck all about risk management and SMS.
Flight opps...onboard USS Hancock (CVA-19), 1975: Cat operator, "# 3 fireroom"......"# 3 fireroom Aye":....."Drawing 350 lbs. superheated steam on # 3 catapult":........."#3 fireroom Aye".
Is it me, or do all of those old jets sound “angry”?
Why would he have to guide him and turn him out with the tow bar? Strange.
A-4 does not have steerable nose wheel if I recall correctly
This one doesn't look like it does. But when they started making the two seaters they put one on I believe. But they must have installed them on the later models. All the squadrons I knew could taxi out with steering. I read where they steered by using the breaks, and that's what it looks like he's doing in this video. Must have been torture on the wearing of the front tire.
Yes WG1979, I think this one is a Heinz 57 varieties build-restoration of a tandem seat front portion grafted onto a single seat main section, where there's a will there's a way. Story and pics on the 518 sites:
www.globalaviationresource.com/reports/2010/ta4j.php
fightingclassics.com/ta-4-n518ta
@ thewildgoose1979
The T-Bird had it.
HOLLY SMOKE ! THAT SHOULD GIVE THEM P 51s , a run for there money ... Better check your six for that F7F TigerCat though .
The issue isn't with the steering jackass the issue IS the steering jackass, the TA-4J is more than capable of steering itself with that old man's help!
Starting a plane with the tow bar hooked up.............good way to lose some legs !
Obviously, the nose wheel steering is disabled. I worked on and was a plane captain on both the TA-4J and A-4E. The latter lacked nose wheel steering and required differential braking. Even so, to make a tight turn, a "tilly bar" was often attached to the nose will so that the plane captain could steer the aircraft. Without that help, heavy braking on the inboard main gear and a lot of throttle was needed to turn.
Sorry, I forgot some did not have steering..my bad ! and you right it could not have made them turns without help ...again my bad !
@@scootergeorge9576 You are exactly correct. We made the decision NOT to reinstall the NWS system because of complexity and failure points. The reason the tow-bar was used was the close proximity of other aircraft and we thought they wouldn't appreciate being blasted by our exhaust. Thanks for setting the record straight.
@@SkyhawkDad - You're welcome. While assigned to VC-13 at Miramar, we traded in about half our TA-4J's for A-4's. The T birds had NWS; the E did not. One pilot, used to the t bird NWS, turning left out of the chocks went wide, very wide. had to stop him and grab tilly. Otherwise he would have hit the next row of aircraft or shut down. In his defense, the port brake was brand new and not seated in.
Eight minutes of startup. Hardly worth watching.
Agreed. Total waste of time. What were they thinking??
Guess he doesn't know what differential braking is.
I think I know pretty well what differential braking is. But to caster the nose wheel takes POWER and then braking as the nose wheel always wants to go straight. And, depending on the slope of the area, it might even be more pronounced. See the L-39 on the starboard side? Do you think he would have appreciated being blasted by 70-100 knots of hot jet exhaust? Using what the Navy called the "Tiller Bar" was SOP on the carrier deck for the very reason I just described. And now YOU know.
Love the plane my dad flew an a4 in the navy off the Saratoga CV60 but the video was boring no flying