LTV (Vought) A-7 Corsair II

From Scramble - The Aviation Magazine

LTV (Vought) A-7E Corsair II

Description
Role	Ground attack
Crew	1
First Flight	September 27, 1965 (A-7A)
Entered Service	1967
Number built	1,551
Manufacturer	LTV

Dimensions
Length	14.06 m	46 ft 1.5 inch
Wingspan	11.81 m	38 ft 9 inch
Height	4.90 m	16 ft 0.75 inch
Wing area	34.8 m²	375 ft²
Weights
Empty	9,033 kg	19,915 lb
Maximum takeoff weight	19,050 kg	29,040 lb
Capacity	6,800 kg (15,000 lbs)
Powerplant
Engines	one Allison TF41-A-2
Thrust	64.5 kN (each)	14,500 lb_f (each)
Performance
Maximum speed	1,123 km/h	606 kts
Operational radius	1,150 km	621 nm
Service ceiling	12,800 m	42,000 ft
Rate of climb	76 m/s	15,000 ft/min
Avionics
Avionics	Texas Instruments AN/APQ-126 multi-mode radar
Armament
Armament	One General Dynamics (General Electric) M61 Vulcan 20 mm gun, two AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Air-to-ground options include Mk.80 series LDGP bombs, rocket pods and the B61 nuclear weapon.

History

The A-7 was developed by Ling-Temco-Vought in response to the VAL Light Attack Aircraft project of the US Navy. Based on a Chance Vought F-8 Crusader airframe, the prototype flew February 27, 1965. Initial models were rather underpowered, resulting in fuel and weapon load limitations. This was finally rectified by introduction of the Allison TF41 turbofan, a license built version of the Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan. From 1966, the US Navy received 991 Corsairs, which logged more than 4 million flight hours and 410.000 carrier landings. 54 aircraft were lost in combat. In the US Navy, the A-7 was finally replaced by the more capable F/A-18 Hornet, while the US Air Force replaced its A-7Ds with A-10 Thunderbolt IIs.

Versions

A-7A

Initial production version, armed with two Colt Mk. 12 20 mm guns with 680 rounds. Powered by Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-6 turbofan rated at 50,5 kN. The NA-7A was A-7A configured for permanent testing. MTOGW limited, 199 delivered to US Navy.

A-7B

Powered by uprated TF30-P-8 engine (54.2 kN) and later re-engined with further uprated TF30-P-408 (59.6 kN). Also equipped with variable position flaps. 196 delivered to US Navy.

A-7C

The A-7C was initially intended to be a two-seat training version of the A-7B. When this plan was not pursued, the A-7C designation was used for an interim model with most of the A-7E systems, armed with the M61 20 mm gun but lacking the TF41-A-2 intended for the A-7E. Instead, it remained powered by the TF30, in its P-5 variant. 67 delivered to US Navy. By inserting a 46 cm fuselage plug, a number of A-7A (21), A-7B (24) and A-7C (36) airframes were converted to two-seat trainers and designated TA-7C. In 1984 49 airframes were re-engined with the TF41-A-402 and upgraded to A-7E equivalent. The NA-7C was used for test purposes.

A-7D

Ground attack model for the US Air Force's Tactical Air Command, powered by the TF41-A-1 turbofan (license built RB.168-62 Spey 25) rated at 64,5 kN. Avionics upgrades include a Projected Map Display, radar altimeter, AN/APQ-126 radar, GEC-Marconi AN/AVQ-7(V) HUD and McDonnell Douglas Escapac 1C2 ejection seat. The gross weight of the A-7D is a little more than twice that of the A-4E but is significantly less than that of the A-6E. 459 delivered to US Air Force. Designation GA-7D used for ground instruction airframes.

A-7E

Ultimate version for the US Navy, powered by the TF41-A-2 turbofan and armed with M61 gun. 535 aircraft delivered to US Navy.

A-7F Strikefighter

Proposed supersonic version - initially designated A-7D Plus - with 121 cm fuselage stretch, F100-PW-220 turbofan engine (rated at 129 kN), larger tail, new navigation system and Vought AN/AAR-49 Low Altitude Night Attack system. Two airframes built before project was cancelled. Designation KA-7F was reserved by US Navy for proposed tanker version.

A-7G

Proposed version, based on the A-7E. The Swiss Air Force ordered F-5E Tiger IIs instead.

A-7H

Export model for Greek Air Force based on the A-7E with uprated TF41-A-400 engine (66,6 kN). Two seater designated TA-7H. 65 aircraft delivered.

A-7K

Designation for 30 airframes, converted for the US Air Force Air National Guard as two-seat precision strike aircraft. By integrating the Pave Penny targeting pod, the A-7K was capable of autonomously delivering Laser Guided Bombs. First flight January 1981.

EA-7L

Converted TA-7C airframe, used for Electronic Warfare training. Six aircraft delivered to US Navy's VAQ-34.

A-7P

Export model for Portuguese Air Force, based on converted 44 A-7A/B/C airframes. Powered by TF30-P-408 engine (as used in the A-7C) and armed with the Colt 20 mm guns, but equipped with A-7E avionics. The two seat conversion trainer designated TA-7P.