Introduction
The purpose of this blog is to describe the RNZAF A-4 and TA-4 Skyhawk as a modelling subject. It will cover the original T/A-4K aircraft, the T/A-4G aircraft acquired from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Post Kahu T/A-4K aircraft.
A second (future) part will cover building the 1/48 Hasegawa Skyhawk family although there may be information in that that is useful to modelling Skyhawks in general.
Readers Notes
- Where I write T/A-4 I am referring to both the A-4 and TA-4 as the point is applicable to both the single and the two seater.
- Where I refer to the A-4 or TA-4 then that point is only applicable to that variant.Unless otherwise attributed all photos are mine.
Acknowledgements
- Don Simms for providing me with far more information than I'd expected. It's his fault this is so long.
- Bruce Anders for proof reading.
- Glen Turner for some of the photos.
History
New Zealand received 14 brand new Skyhawk's (ten A-4K and four TA-4K's) in 1970. In 1984 Australia sold their ten remaining Skyhawk's (eight A-4G’s and two TA-4G’s) to New Zealand. This allowed the reactivation of No 2 Sqn.
Initially the A-4G's also underwent a few simple modifications to make them more similar to the A-4K fleet but they were still known as T/A-4G's.
In the late 1980’s the remaining 21 RNZAF Skyhawk's were given an extensive avionics and weapon systems update. This was known as Project Kahu. All aircraft were also re-winged. This also resulted in all aircraft now being the same configuration. Post Kahu the RNZAF referred to all aircraft including the T/A-4G's as T/A-4K's.
More details on RNZAF A-4 history is here.
Modelling the RNZAF TA-4K and A-4K Skyhawk - Pre Kahu
The ten (10) original A-4K aircraft were identified NZ6201 to NZ6210. The four (4) TA-4K were NZ6251 to NZ6254. As a modelling subject the RNZAF Skyhawk Pre Kahu is simply a A-4F (with the hump) or a TA-4F.
Paint Schemes / Colours / Markings
The South East Asia (SEA) Scheme
The roundels were first a simple RAF style with a vertical fin flash. One (1) roundel was one the upper left and lower right wings along with the speed brakes on each fuselage side. Roundels were 18 inches in diameter.
Initially the fin flash was equal parts of red , white and blue six (6) inches wide. Aircraft serial numbers and type are in light grey (FS 36222) The serial is 8 inches high by 5 inch wide with 1 inch thick. The Aircraft type lettering is four (4) inches high and half an inch wide by half an inch thick.
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| NZ6201 and NZ6251 on Pre delivery flights in the USA - McDonnell Douglas ( Boeing) Photo |
The aircraft flew briefly in New Zealand with these roundels before the Silver Fern roundel was applied.
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| NZ6205 with Silver Fern Roundel mid 1970 - RNZAF Official |
This appears to have only lasted a few months. By the end of 1970 the Kiwi Roundel was applied.
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| 75 Squadron Formation 1973 - RNZAF Official |
Around 1980 the fin flash changed to the slanted one. The bottom of the colours in fin flash are the same dimensions as the original straight style. Black was applied around the gun areas
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| NZ6208 Nosewheel Retracted 1980 - RNZAF Official |
The Euro 1 Scheme
In the mid 1980's the Euro 1 scheme was introduced. This is Medium Green (FS 34102); Dark Green (FS 34079), Grey (FS 36081).
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| Concorde and Euro 1 A-4K Skyhawk's 1986 - RNZAF Official |
The Hump
From 1987 onward, the hump began to be removed from the original RNZAF A-4K's. I think this was done as part of the formation of "Kiwi Red" the No. 75 Squadrons aerobatic team. Kiwi Red was formed for the Australian Bicentennial airshow in 1988.
The image of Kiwi Red below shows a number of the original RNZAF pre Kahu A-4K's without the hump.
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| Kiwi Red 1988 - RNZAF Official |
Lower Anti Collision Light
The aircraft was delivered with the light on the left but this was moved to right forward of the fuel dump, in the early to mid 1980's . This was done to accommodate a mini-pan camera which was fitted in the rear of the left hand undercarriage fairing.
The Image below shows the anti col light still on the left.
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| 75 Sqn Aerobatic Team 1981 - RNZAF Official |
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| RNZAF A-4K Cope Thunder 1984 - US DOD image |
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| Close up of the Lower Anti Collision Light |
Pitot Probe and Static Vents
The T/A-4K and T/A-4G aircraft had the forward static port on the right hand side of the nose as per this image. Note raised area where the aft one would have been.
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| T/A-4K and T/A-4G Static Ports |
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| Pitot and Total Air Temp Probes |
Refuelling Probe
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| NZ6252 Over Mount Cook 1974 - RNZAF Official |
Vertical Fin Shape
The T/A-4K fleet were always fitted with the squared off Fin. I believe there is an antenna under here.
Forward ECM Antennas and Radome
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| NZ6206 in 1973 with the original ECM Antenna Fit - RNZAF Official |
In the late 1970's the nose fairing starts to disappear. Generally this coincides with the appearance of the black radome. But there are images, like the one below, of A-4K's fitted with camouflaged radomes but not having the under radome fairing.
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| NZ6202 at RMAF Butterworth 1978 - RNZAF Official |
In the image below you can see the lower antennas fitted but not the nose antenna.
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| NZ6207 Cope Thunder 1984 - US DOD |
The TA-4K aircraft weren't fitted with either lower fuselage or under nose antenna fairings at build. However as the radome is interchangeable it could end up fitted to a TA-4K. The image below shows NZ6251 with the under nose fairing and NZ6209 without one but still with a camouflaged radome.
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| NZ6209 (No fairing) NZ6251 Fairing) 1970's - RNZAF Official |
Tail ECM Antennas and Light Configuration
The A-4K had the tail fin ECM antennas fitted. These were removed during the Kahu upgrade (with the exception of NZ6205 which had it for while post Kahu). The RWR fairings on the side of the tailpipe eyebrow fairing were also fitted pre Kahu. Images show these on the delivery flights in the USA in 1969/70.
The TA-4K did not come with the tail ECM fit. They also didn't have the RWR fairings on the side of the tailpipe eyebrow fairing (until Kahu). But noting this part is interchangeable, aircraft could conceivably be fitted with either panel.
Glens image below shows the pre Kahu tail antenna configuration as well as the pre Kahu position of the formation light . The light was moved as part of Kahu. Not the lack of smoke pipe as well (see next section).
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| Pre Kahu Tail Antenna Configuration - Glen Turner |
The image below from a Cope Thunder exercise in 1984 shows a TA-4K in the foreground. The subsequent aircraft are A-4K's.
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| Skyhawk Tails - Cope Thunder 1984 - RNZAF Official |
Drag Chute Cover and Smoke Pipe
For most of its RNZAF career the drag chute cover was a conical shape. These got pretty beat up as they hit the runway when dropped. The image below shows the conical drag chute fairing and the RWR fairings in the eyebrow fairing.
The ex RAN T/A-4G's were not fitted with a drag chute until they went through the G to K conversion.
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| NZ6202 in flight 1972 - RNZAF Official |
In the late in 1980's a modification to spray diesel, held in the 150 gallon drop tank, in the jet blast was introduced. The only visible indication is a small curved pipe above the drag chute fairing that protrudes into the jet blast . This was retained on the Kahu aircraft.
In the Late 1990's the Drag Chute cover was changed to the flatter style shown here. These were only seen in aircraft in the all green scheme. The image below shows the smoke pipe with the late Drag Chute fairing.
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| Late Drag Chute Fairing and Smoke Pipe - RNZAF Official |
Drag Chute Connection Access Panel
On the original T/A-4K fleet , which had the chute and door fitted at build, the door is hinged at the top.
The T/A-4K Tail Reinforcing Strip
The T/A-4K was never fitted with the reinforcing strip that went under the tail approximately where the arrestor hook bumper met the fuselage. This reinforcing strip was only fitted to the T/A-4G aircraft.
The T/A-4K Main Communication Antenna
The main communication antenna for T/A-4K is located on the upper fuselage behind the cockpit. I believe the RNZAF T/A-4K was fitted with both a VHF and a UHF radio and this large rectangular one was a dual V/UHF antenna. On aircraft in the Euro 1 scheme the antenna was black. On SEA painted aircraft it was white.
When the Hump was removed from the A-4K aircraft this antenna was retained as both the radios were still fitted. The image below of Kiwi Red in 1987 shows a mixture of A-4K's with and without the hump. All have the original large rectangular antenna.
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| Kiwi Red 1987 - RNZAF Official |
Miscellaneous
The RNZAF also removed the carrier bridle hooks from the undercarriage bays as these were a hazard to personnel.
The pre Kahu aircraft were not fitted with any Countermeasures Dispensing Systems (CDS) so these were blanked out.
Modelling the RNZAF TA-4G and A-4G Skyhawk - Pre Kahu
The ex RAN T/A-4G aircraft were allocated sequential numbers to the RNZAF's original T/A-K fleet. So the A-4G's were NZ6211 to NZ6218 and the two seaters were NZ6255 and NZ6256.
As a modelling subject the RNZAF T/A-4G Skyhawk is basically a A-4E and TA-4F/J.
The most visible difference between the A-4G and A-4K , apart from the colour schemes, is the lack of hump on the A-4G.
Pre Kahu T/A-4G Paint Schemes / Colours
When received by the RNZAF all the A-4G's and TA-4G NZ6255 were painted in the RAN's attractive Air Superiority Scheme of Aircraft Grey (BS 381C-693) and Light Admiralty Grey (BS 381C-697). The last aircraft , NZ6256 was painted in all over light grey with 724 Sqn fin flash
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| Ex RAN 880, 881, 884 and 885 on their Delivery Flight - RNZAF Official |
The T/A-4G fleet initially retained the RAN camouflage schemes, But as time wore on fitment of spares meant that colours from the T/A-4K appeared on the T/A-4G. Eventually the T/A-4G's ended up in the Euro 1 scheme.
The image below is a good example. Here are 3 A-4G's (no humps) and 2 A-4K's (humps) . The radomes on the two (2) A-4G's nearest the camera are black. The RAN A-4G radome was painted in the aircraft camouflage scheme. Black radomes mean these have been fitted post delivery to the RNZAF.
The rear most A-4G has a white rudder from ex RAN stocks whereas the forward A-4G has a square fin. The A-4G in the background, in the new Euro 1 scheme, retains the original A-4G curved fin tip. Also of note are the different styles of main communication antennas (behind the cockpit) on the A-4G's.
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| RNZAF's Multi Coloured A-4 Fleet in 1986 - RNZAF Official |
The image of the T birds shows a black radome on TA-4G NZ6255 and the original colour on TA-4G NZ6256. NZ6255 carries tanks and a buddy store in the SEA camo which will make for a colourful model.
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| RNZAF's Multi Coloured TA-4 Fleet in 1986 - RNZAF Official |
Lower Anti Collision Light and ECM Antennas
The lower anti collision light remained on the left hand side unlike the T/A-4K fleet. They also came with no ECM antennas and had no countermeasures dispensing system.
Tail Reinforcing Strip
This was only fitted on the T/A-4G aircraft . It was never fitted on the T/A-4K aircraft.
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| Tail Reinforcing Strip (under the 13) - TA-4G only |
The G to K Conversion Program
The RNZAF began a program to bring the T/A-4G's closer in configuration the T/A-4K fleet. The changes of interest to the modeller are the addition of the Drag Chute housing under the tail, the, Vertical Fin shape and the Main Communications antenna .
I also believe the RNZAF also removed the carrier bridle hooks from the undercarriage bays at this time.
Drag Chute
As part of the G to K conversion program the RNZAF fitted a drag chute to the T/A-4G Skyhawk fleet. So depending on your time frame the aircraft could be fitted with or without the drag chute housing.
Drag Chute Connection Access Panel
With the drag chute came the access panel to connect the chute to the aircraft. On the original T/A-4K fleet , which had the chute and door fitted at build, the door is hinged at the top.
The RNZAF changed this when they introduced the door on the T/A-4G's, hinging it from the bottom (thanks to Anthony Galbraith for this info).
Vertical Fin Shape
The T/A-4G fleet arrived with the curved Fin. The G to K conversion program added the square fin. I assume this is because the same avionics (antenna) that the T/A-4K had was fitted during the G to K conversion.
The T/A-4G Main Communication Antenna
When received from the RAN the T/A-4G had a narrow UHF antenna located in the same place as the T/A-4K.
From 1985 onward, the T/A-4G's underwent the the G to K conversion program. This either replaced the original RAN UHF radio with a combined V/UHF set or introduced a VHF radio. The result was the small rectangular UHF antenna was replaced with the same large rectangular antenna as the RNZAF's original T/A-4K's . This is a combined V/UHF antenna.
Glens photo from 1985 below shows two (2) A-4G's and a A-4K. The middle jet, NZ6217, has the original A-4G antenna, rounded fin tip and no drag chute. NZ6213 has the larger combined V/UHF antenna (same as the A-4K on the left), square fin tip and a drag chute.
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| A-4G's -Pre and Post G to K Conversion Program - Glen Tuner |
Eventually the Kahu style Shark Fin style (another combined V/UHF antenna) appeared on the T/A-4G's .
The image of TA-4G NZ6256 below in it's Anniversary scheme in 1986 shows the combined V/UHF antenna.
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| NZ6256 with V/UHF Antenna - RNZAF Official |
Weapons and Stores - Pre Kahu
Air to Surface
Pre Kahu RNZAF weapons were limited to Mk 80 series bombs (MK 81, 82 and 83). Both High and Low drag variants were used with the MK 82 (500 lb) being the most common.
The bombs were dropped from Multiple Ejector Racks (MER), Triple Ejector Racks (TER) as well as directly from the aircraft's five stations.
Two types of practice bombs where extensively used, these were the BDU 33 (low drag) and MK 106 (High Drag). These were most commonly mounted on a Practice Multi Bomb Rack (PMBR).
Zuni rockets were used until the late 1980's when the CRV-7 rocket was introduced.
The Guns
The two (2) Colt Mk 12 20 mm cannons were always fitted.
Air to Air
The RNZAF only used the AIM-9G pre Kahu. The T/A-4K could only carry the sidewinder on Stations 1 and 5 (the outer ones). The T/A-4G could carry sidewinders on all 5 stations.
The Captive Air Training Missile CATM-9G was common. Usually just the body was carried for training.
The AIM-9 and CATM-9 were carried on LAU-7 rails.
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| CATM-9G on NZ6204 in 1981- RNZAF Official |
Drop Tanks and In-flight Refuelling Store
Drop tanks were fitted on most missions. To my eye the jet looks naked without at least one.
300 Gallon Tanks
300 gallon drop tanks were a common sight on the inner wing stations (stations 2 and 4). At delivery these were painted all over white.
In 1974 the top half was camouflaged in the SEA scheme. When the aircraft went to the Euro 1 scheme the tanks were also painted in those colours.
400 Gallon Tanks
A 400 gallon tank could only be carried on the centre-line station (station 3). At delivery these were painted all over white. These started to get the top halves camouflaged in 1977 but the bottom section, to my knowledge, remained white and didn't get painted Light grey (FS 36222).
When the aircraft went to the Euro 1 scheme the tanks were painted all over Dark Green (FS 34079).
150 Gallon Tanks
The RNZAF only received the 150 Gallon tank with acquisition ex RAN T/A-4G fleet. The 150 Gals were used for a short time as fuel tanks with Kiwi Red in 1989-1990. They were fitted on stations 2 and 4 .
Generally the 150 Gallon tanks were only used as a "smoke tank " for aerobatic displays and carried on the centreline station. The smoke tank was first used in 1987.
The In Flight refuelling or "Buddy" Stores
The buddy store was only carried on the centreline station. On delivery these were painted all over white. Like the drop tanks, the buddy stores were painted in the SEA scheme around 1974.
That said some of the Buddy stores do appear to have remained white right up until the Euro 1 Scheme was introduced. These could have been the ex-RAN buddy stores. The image of the four ship TA-4 formation above shows NZ6255 with a camouflaged Buddy Store whereas NZ6256 has a white buddy store.
When the fleet went to the Euro scheme all were painted all over Dark Green FS 34079.
Minipan Camera
On the T/A-4K a Minipan camera could be carried in the fairing behind the left hand landing gear bay.
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| Minipan Camera Installation - RNZAF Official |
Modelling the RNZAF TA-4K and A-4K Skyhawk - Post Kahu
Post Kahu, all aircraft are designated T/A-4K's. The post Kahu configuration doesn't introduce any significant external physical changes that are beyond the capability of most modellers to address. The cockpit however is significantly different.
Kahu Conversion Sets
In 2022 Conversion sets for a Kahu aircraft were released by Phase Hangar Resin and Barracuda Studios.
These are excellent and reasonably priced upgrades. Both companies also have various other A-4 update sets that are worth considering for your build.
Links to the conversions are below
Paint Schemes / Colours / Markings
Euro 1 Scheme
For most of the post Kahu service the aircraft was painted in the Euro 1 Scheme of Medium Green - (FS 34102); Dark Green (FS 34079), Grey (FS 36081).
The roundel and fin flash were red and blue. The warnings were yellow and the aircraft serial number remained in the original location.
The 75 Sqn markings were located on the intakes in low viz black . 2 Sqn's winged Taiaha located n both sides of the tail. This was usually coloured with a Gold 2 and black Taiaha although there were variations on this.
The Squadron markings weren't immediately changed when the aircraft changed squadrons so it was common to see a aircraft with a 2 Sqn markings being operated by 75 Sqn and vice versa.
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| T/A-4K NZ6256 at Nowra in 1999 |
The Trial Green Scheme
In 1997, whilst trialling the all over green FS 34079 scheme, NZ6201 was painted with markings in a lighter green. Obviously this was not adopted but NZ6201 retained this scheme for quite a while.
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| NZ6201 with trial green markings 1997 - RNZAF official |
All Over Green Scheme
From about 1997 the RNZAF started to paint the aircraft in all over dark Green FS 34079. The 300 Gallon drop tanks were also painted in this colour. In this scheme the 75 Sqn Tiki was applied to the left side of the fin and the 2 Sqn Taiaha on the right.
The aircraft serial number was moved to the fin, the roundels and warnings were black. There was no fin flash.
Initially the slats in this scheme seemed more susceptible to paint flaking. Les Stockley recalls "that testing revealed that plastic media used for paint stripping was still under the paint in a microscopic layer hence the poor adhesion. Better scrubbing and cleaning after blasting improved it quite a bit."
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| A-4K NZ6216 at Nowra in 1999 |
The Cockpits
Both the front and rear cockpits were updated to a modern (for the late 1980's) cockpit. In some respects the systems were better than that in the RAAF Hornet. The best way to describe the cockpits is via images.
The only difference between the Front cockpit of a A-4K and TA-4K , systems wise, was the addition of 2 Eaton switch/annunciators adjacent to the top right hand side of the Right display unit fuel gauge INT/EXT selector switch.
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| TA-AK Cockpit - RNZAF Official |
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| TA-AK Forward Instrument Panel - RNZAF Official |
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| TA-4K Rear Instrument Panel - Norm Tse |
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| TA-AK Rear Instrument Panel - RNZAF Official |
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| A-4K Instrument Panel - RNZAF Official |
The HUD
Kahu also introduced a Head Up Display (HUD) . This is quite visible from outside the aircraft. when on the ground the HUD was nearly always covered in a orange cover. This was removed as the pilot entered the aircraft and replaced shortly after they got out.
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| TA-AK Cockpit - RNZAF Official |
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| A No 75 Sqn A-4K with some modified artwork showing the HUD cover |
Side Consoles
The side consoles were also modified with new equipment , The most visible difference being the introduction of a Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) throttle grip. Whether this difference is even visible in 48 scale is debatable.
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| Throttle Quadrant - RNZAF Official |
Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) Antennas
A modern Radar Warning System (AN/ALR 66) was fitted with four (4) antennas covering 360 degrees. These were covered with fairings. The forward aspect antennas were located under each wing tip. The aft aspect antennas were located on each side of the panel above the jet pipe.
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| Left Wing RWR Antenna Fairing |
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| Right Rear RWR Antenna Fairing |
The Main Communication Antenna
The AN/ARC-182 V/UHF antenna post Kahu T/A-4K was the Shark fin type as below.
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| Post Kahu V/UHF Antenna |
The UHF Antenna
The AN/ARC 159 UHF antenna is a simple rectangular blade antenna . On the prototype TA-4K (NZ6254) the UHF antenna was located under the aircraft under the aft cockpit.
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| AN/ARC 159 Antenna location at NZ6254 Prototype Handover - RNZAF Official |
This was found to be a poor location so it moved forward to a point under the nose just aft of the Doppler panel (flat panel under the nose) The TACAN antenna in this location was moved to the original AN/ARC 159 antenna location described above .
The prototype A-4K (NZ6205) and the early production aircraft, which were mostly TA-4K's, also had the AN/ARC 159 antenna located aft of the Doppler panel.
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| NZ6256 AN/ARC-159 Antenna Location 1991 - Unknown |
This location was also not suitable so the antenna was moved to a point on the lower edge of the tail fin. Aircraft with the antenna in the under fuselage location were eventually modified to move the antenna to the final tail.
Don's photo shows two aircraft with the AN/ARC 159 antenna under the nose and one with it in it's final location on the lower part of the fin. Again - check your references depending on the timeframe.
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| NZ6209, NZ6254 and NZ6205 over HMAS Creswell 1991 - Don Simms |
Lower Anti Collision Light
On all post Kahu Aircraft the lower anti col is on the right hand side.
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| Lower Anti Col Light forward of Fuel Dump under the Right Wing on NZ6255 ex T/A-4G |
VOR/ILS Antennas
T/A-4K's post Kahu had two (2) VOR/ILS antennas on the fin.
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| VOR/ILS antennas and AN/ARC-159 Antenna Final Location |
Tail Antennas and Lights
This image shows the post Kahu tail TACAN antenna and formation light.
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| Post Kahu Tail Antenna and Formation Light |
NZ6205, the prototype Kahu A-4K aircraft, retained the pre Kahu Tail Fin ECM antennas and Formation light for a period of time after the upgrade. You can see it on the photo below of the Maverick trial in 1990.
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| NZ6205 about to launch a AGM-65B - RNZAF Official |
Marker Beacon Antenna
T/A-4K's post Kahu had a marker beacon antenna under the right hand wing tip.
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| Marker Beacon Antenna under Right Wing Tip |
High Intensity Strobe Light
The High Intensity Strobe Light was not part of the upgrade so the prototypes and initial production aircraft weren't fitted with it until later. However most aircraft came out of the upgrade with it fitted. It is located forward of the original upper anti-collision light.
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| High Intensity Strobe Light |
Radar Computer Cooling Scoop
A cooling scoop for the radar computer wasn't part of the initial Kahu modification but was added as the operational trials found the radar computer was prone to overheating as it was located near the hot section of the engine.
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| Radar Computer Cooling Scoop |
Carrier Landing Light System
These lights weren't fitted so the clear fairing on the leading edge of the left wing was usually painted over.
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| Leading edge of the wing showing the painted over fairing |
Nose Cooling Vents
On the prototypes and some of the early production aircraft, cooling vents were cut into the left hand side of the nose. Aircraft NZ6254, NZ6255, NZ6205, NZ6215, NZ6218 and perhaps NZ6252 had these vents for a time.
A small nose cooling scoop was also fitted to under the nose to improve cooling.
Neither the scoop nor the vents improved cooling so they were not continued on subsequent production aircraft. On the aircraft that had them they were eventually patched when the aircraft underwent a major servicing, Don's image below shows the location of the cooling vents and the nose scoop
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Elevator, Aileron and Rudder Static Wicks
Static wicks were fitted to the trailing edge of the elevators, aileron and rudder on the prototype NZ6254. These kept falling off and didn't resolve the interference issues so they were removed and not fitted to the production aircraft.
You can just see them on this photo of NZ6254.
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| NZ6254 with Elevator Static Wicks - RNZAF Official |
Weapons and Stores - Post Kahu
Air to Surface
The AGM-65B TV guided and AGM-65G IR Maverick missiles were the primary air to surface weapons. Training versions of the Sidewinder and both Mavericks variants were commonly carried.
The Mavericks are carried on LAU 117 rails and could be carried on Stations 1, 2 and 4 and 5. TGM missiles were not fitted the control fins (rear ones) that a live missiles would have.
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| TGM 65G IR Maverick |
Air to Air
Post Kahu RNZAF Skyhawk's could carry the AIM-9L sidewinder. This could be fitted to Stations 1, 2 4 and 5.
The Captive Air Training Missile CATM-9L was common. Generally the fins were only fitted for static displays. These were carried on LAU-7A rails with ADU-229 Adaptors which connects to the pylon.
ACMI pods were occasionally carried in overseas exercises in the late 1990's.
Drop Tanks and In-Flight Refuelling Store
AN/ALE 39 Countermeasure Dispensing System
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| CDS maintenance and Aft Hell Hole Door - RNZAF Official |
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| AN/ALE 39 Blank , Safety Pin, 400 Gal with no Bobtail |
Minipan Camera
On the all post Kahu aircraft a Minipan camera could be carried in the fairing behind the left hand landing gear bay.
Some General Skyhawk Modelling Notes
A couple of my RNZAF Skyhawk modelling thoughts. Of course it's your model and if you want to model it wrong you can :-)
The Slats
They are always down, gravity pushes them there. Sure the Blue Angels bolted them up but virtually everyone else didn't. So while they may be up for maintenance that was rare.
The Speedbrakes
When the aircraft is on the ground they are closed, or very close to closed 98% of the time. They could open a tiny bit when hydraulic pressure bled off .
Having them fully open on the ground was only common prior to dispatch, when the aircraft was running and they were opened by the pilot so we could check for hydraulic leaks and on the landing roll.
Having them open on the ground at other times wasn't normal, in fact is was so rare I can't remember seeing it once in the period I worked on them..
The Guns
The two (2) 20 mm cannons were virtually always fitted.
It was only in the last few years of RNZAF service where it became more common to see the fairings in lieu of the guns.
Remove Before Flight Tags
The usual locations for remove before flight tags for RNZAF Skyhawk's were:
- One (1) in the Nose gear leg
- One (1) in each Main gear leg
- One (1) in each Weapons Station
- One (1)in a LAU 7 rail
- One (1)for the CDS
- One (1) for the Drag Chute
- Three (3) in the Cockpit of A-4. These were usually on a streamer
- Four (4) in the cockpit of a TA- 4 (2 in each Cockpit) Again these were usually on a streamer.
A cover was nearly always fitted to the HUD on the ground.
Intake and Exhaust Blanks
Intake blanks were usually removed just before the pilot arrived at the aircraft and were fitted immediately after shut down.
Exhaust Blanks were removed at the start of the day and refitted at the end of the days flying.
The A-4 Canopy Strap
From the early 1970's the RNZAF used a fabric strap to stop the Canopy from fully opening . The purpose of this was to stop the canopy bouncing against it's stop when the aircraft was being towed or is taxiing. The top end was hooked around the right side canopy latching hook, the bottom end was permanently attached to the aircraft .This photo from in 1970 shows the A-4K's with the strap.
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A-4K's at Tengah, Singapore 1971 - RNZAF Official |
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| Canopy Strap |
The White Stripes on the Fuselage and Tanks
These are to aid formation flying at night. As far as I know this is just self adhesive tape. They are not the powered formation lights you see on more modern aircraft.
They were applied on the Euro 1 scheme and continued on the all a green scheme.
They were sometimes on the Tanks - check photos form the time frame of the subject you are modelling to get an idea where they were located. The image below from 1994 shows two (2) A-4Ks from 2 Sqn over HMAS Albatross with different numbers of white stripes.
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| 2 Sqn A-4K Over HMAS Albatross 1994 - RNZAF Official |
References
Web Sites
These links relate to the RNZAF Skyhawk rather than specifically modelling the aircraft, I will add those later.
Books
Some books that may be useful.
If you got this far thanks for reading. If you see any errors or have any questions post a comment below or contact me via the contact me section.
Awesome info here. Many thanks for sharing Calum.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found it useful
DeleteI flew the scooter in the US Navy early to Mid 80's. Outstanding research! You never mention what version of the Pratt and Whitney J-52 were fitted. I flew with three different engine the P-6, P-8 and the P-408 the latter was a hotrod and was used by the US Marines and the Blue Angles in their A-4's.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I think it was the P-8. Many of these aircraft are still flying in the US with Draken
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