The A-4 owes its origins to a desire expressed by the US Navy for a replacement of the A-1 Skyraider. The engineering design genius Ed Heinemann created a super lightweight and simple airplane, which was pressed into service on American aircraft carriers in 1956. The E (of which 499 were made) and F (of which 147 were made) represent the first real upgrade in airplanes, with a more potent engine, two extra mooring towers for cargo (for a total of five) and improved avionics. They were used extensively, and with excellent results, during America's war in Vietnam.
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