• One of the most accurate strike aircraft ever built

  The A-7 Corsair II was built on the F-8 Crusader airframe, and was a subsonic attack version of this fighter. It was exceptionally accurate, and was purchased by the US Navy and Marines, and later on by the US Air Force. The A-7 was first flown on September 27, l965, and initial deliveries began on October 14, l966. With a typical weapons load, the A-7E would have a tactical radius of 700 miles. It carried one 20-mm M61A1 multi-barrel cannon and up to 15,000 lb. of mixed stores externally.

  The A-7 Corsair II was one of a few US Navy aircraft to be operated by the US Air Force. It was created in response to the US Navy's 1963 light attack aircraft specification, which required light attack aircraft to replace the A-4 Skyhawk and with about twice the payload. 35 production A-7A's were ordered on March 19, 1964, powered by a non afterburning 12,200lb Pratt & Whitney TF-30-P-8 turbofan engine. It first flight occurred on September 27, 1965, and in 1966, the USAF ordered the A-7D (airforce version) with the Allison TF41 turbofan engine. The US Navy later developed the A-7E with TF41 engines also. The A-7 was used widely during the Vietnam War and the US Navy used them during the Gulf War as well. The A-7 was later replaced by the F/A-18 Hornet.