Warbird Information Exchange

Pretty amazing stuff that the first prototype first flew from Edwards Air Force Base, California on 22 June 1954, is now slated to fly till 2025.

Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, May 26, 2015 – Embraer Defense & Security held the delivery ceremony, today, of the first modernized AF-1 (AF-1B) fighter jet to the Brazilian Navy at its industrial plant in Gavião Peixoto, in outstate São Paulo. The ceremony was attended by the Navy Commander, Fleet Admiral Eduardo Bacellar Leal Ferreira, and officers of the High Command of the Brazilian Navy. The AF-1 program (the name given by the Navy to the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk) provides for the revitalization and modernization of 12 subsonic jets – nine AF-1 single-seaters and three AF-1A two-seaters.

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When I was young "sex was safe & flying was dangerous".

I didn't know any were still in use.

Too bad they couldn't get Topping to make a good plastic model...instead of one of the Asian wooden ones.

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Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.
Note political free signature.
I figure if you wanted my opinion on items unrelated to this forum, you'd ask for it.

These are the ex-Kuwaiti A-4KU's. Argentina also still flies them in a frontline role, and Israel and Singapore still fly them as trainers for a short time longer.

It shows you that a good design is almost timeless. How many other single or two-seat planes in the fighter/bomber/attack/trainer roles have entered and been completely withdrawn from service during this time frame?

Heinemann was truly a genius on the same level of a Kelly Johnson. Heinemann's specialty was packing a large punch into a smaller package than Douglas' competitors. The SBD, AD, A3D and A-4 all fit that bill. Yes, the A-3 "Whale" was a big plane, but it came in UNDER the Navy's specifications. Heinemann used to say that of all of his designs, he was proudest of the A-3

Ed Heinemann was truly an aeronautical genius. His formal education was that of a high school diploma. Incredible indeed!!!

Fortunately Ed wrote a book about his career in aviation which spanned from the 1930s-1970s. He worked with and knew so many of the aviation legends of the day which enabled the USA to become the foremost global aviation leader. His lifes experiences are captured in his book and I recommend reading it for a great historical perspective.

In his book there are photos and stories about how during WWII he traveled to aircraft carriers and other bases and actually interviewed the pilots in the field and watched how they used to aircraft he designed to understand what improvements could be made to further refine the designs. Ed was a genius but he was also dedicated with high personal integrity and commitment and it was that combination which resulting in him producing many of the most history defining aircraft - and aircraft which enabled the US to win wars.

A few years ago when the El Segundo plant closed where Ed worked, many of the historical documents from the plant went to auction - including engineering diagrams, records, summaries, engineering change lists, and test analysis of various aircraft. Ed's writing is all over these documents - he was precise, involved, and had the ability to multi-task.

My favorite "Hot Rod" Heinemann quote is on a sign in my shop; "Simplicate, and add lightness." A real genius.

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Defending Stearmans on WIX since Jeff started badmouthing them back in 2005.

Probably going to take some flak
But I put together an amazing color thread on the A-4, on my own website.
LINK -- http://www.axis-and-allies-paintworks.c ... c.php?7060
Enjoy.

All photo's are in the public domain, & as usual right click & save as.
Regards Duggy.

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When I was young "sex was safe & flying was dangerous".