US Air Force A7 Corsair: Vietnam War's Attack Aircraft
The US Air Force A7 Corsair was a major player in the Vietnam War, providing close air support to ground troops and striking enemy targets with precision. Developed by LTV Aerospace, the A7 Corsair was a single-seat, single-engine jet aircraft designed specifically for close air support and interdiction missions. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history of the A7 Corsair, its design and development, and its combat record during the Vietnam War.
Design and Development
The A7 Corsair was designed in the early 1960s as a replacement for the A-4 Skyhawk, which was the primary attack aircraft of the US Navy at the time. LTV Aerospace was awarded the contract to develop the A7 in 1962, and the first prototype made its maiden flight in 1965. The A7 was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-408 turbofan engine, which produced 14,000 pounds of thrust.
The A7 Corsair was designed with a number of innovative features, including a high-lift wing design and a robust airframe that could withstand the stresses of low-level flight. The aircraft was also equipped with a advanced avionics system, including a AN/APQ-116 pulse-Doppler radar and a AN/ASN-91 inertial navigation system.
Combat Record
The A7 Corsair entered service with the US Air Force in 1967, and quickly saw action in Vietnam. The aircraft was used for a variety of missions, including close air support, interdiction, and reconnaissance. The A7’s accuracy and reliability made it a favorite among ground troops, who relied on the aircraft for support in combat.
One of the most notable achievements of the A7 Corsair during the Vietnam War was its role in the bombing of North Vietnamese targets. In 1972, A7s from the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing conducted a series of raids against North Vietnamese airfields, destroying dozens of enemy aircraft on the ground.
💡 Note: The A7 Corsair's ability to deliver precision-guided munitions made it an ideal platform for strikes against high-value targets.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 46 ft 1 in (14.05 m) |
| Wingspan | 38 ft 8 in (11.79 m) |
| Height | 16 ft 1 in (4.90 m) |
| Empty weight | 19,000 lb (8,618 kg) |
| Max takeoff weight | 35,000 lb (15,876 kg) |
| Powerplant | 1 × Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-408 turbofan engine, 14,000 lbf (62 kN) thrust |
| Maximum speed | 675 mph (1,086 km/h) |
| Range | 2,400 miles (3,862 km) |
| Service ceiling | 40,000 ft (12,192 m) |
Operators
- United States Air Force
- United States Navy
- Hellenic Air Force
- Portuguese Air Force
Legacy
The A7 Corsair played a significant role in the Vietnam War, and its legacy can still be seen today. The aircraft’s design and development paved the way for future attack aircraft, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the F/A-18 Hornet. The A7’s combat record also earned it a reputation as a reliable and effective platform for close air support and interdiction missions.
As the US military continues to develop new attack aircraft, the A7 Corsair remains an important part of aviation history. Its innovative design and impressive combat record make it a fascinating subject for study and admiration.
In the world of military aviation, the A7 Corsair will always be remembered as a pioneering aircraft that helped shape the course of modern warfare.
What was the primary mission of the A7 Corsair during the Vietnam War?
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The primary mission of the A7 Corsair during the Vietnam War was close air support and interdiction.
What was the A7 Corsair’s top speed?
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The A7 Corsair’s top speed was 675 mph (1,086 km/h).
How many A7 Corsairs were produced?
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A total of 553 A7 Corsairs were produced between 1965 and 1984.
Related Terms:
- a 7 corsair
- A 6 Intruder
- Ling temco vought
- f 8 crusader
- a 4 skyhawk
- Portugal Air Force
