- quality handcrafted wooden model military airplanes -
- quality handcrafted
wooden model
military airplanes -
A6-E Intruder - TRAM
|
Photography by Action Asia Photo
Related Links |
A-6 Intruders were the backbone of the United States' carrier attack capability for the past 34 years capable of operating at any time - day or night - and in any weather. The aircraft saw combat in Vietnam, Lebanon, Libya, the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait and Iraq delivering iron bombs, laser guided bombs and every air-to-ground missile in the Navy inventory over the past 3 decades. First flying in 1960 as the A2F-1, it was re-designated as A-6A when it entered service with VA-42 in March of 1963. Since then it served in seventeen Navy and seven Marine Corps attack squadrons - being modified with over 400 improvements as technology developed. The A-6B became an surface-to-air missile suppression platform. The A-6C was the first aircraft equipped with electro-optic sensors. The KA-6D was the first fully dedicated carrier tanker. The A-6E (designated in 1971) became the definitive Intruder attack aircraft for the 1970s and 1980s, employing a new digital computer, a multi-mode radar and a new weapons release system. In 1979, the A-6E TRAM (Target Recognition Attack Multi-sensor) integrated the FLIR and laser sensors used for target identification and self-contained laser guided bomb delivery. The last operational modification resulted in the A-6E SWIP (Systems Weapons Improvement Program) which improved mission effectiveness and stand-off weapons capability. The last of the A-6E Intruders were retired in 1997 although the EA-6B Prowler variants are still in service. This model represents an aircraft of the Sunday Punchers who led the first naval air wing strike deep into Iraq on January 17th, 1991 when Operation Desert Shield gave way to Operation Desert Storm. For the next 43 days the squadron flew round the clock and - in 498 sorties - delivered over 1.6 million lbs of ordnance, without losing or damaging a single aircraft... and became the most decorated Navy squadron that operated during Desert Storm. Crew:
Pilot and Bombardier/Navigator |
||
© 2002-8 All Wood Wings - All Rights Reserved.
