Developed as the A4D-5 under the pre-1962 designation system, the A-4E Skyhawk was optimized for conventional ground attack, moving away from the original Navy role of light nuclear attack. Stores hard-points were increased to five with the addition of one to each outboard wing, with a resulting possible total weapons load of 8,200 lb.

A major change was in the powerplant, with the A-4C's Wright J-65-W-20 of 8,400 lb. thrust being replaced by the Pratt & Whitney J-52-P6A with a maximum thrust of 8,200 lb. A newer design, The P&W engine showed an immediate improvement in specific fuel consumption of 27%, and greater development potential. Many A-4Es would eventually be powered by the J-52-P8 with an available thrust of 9,300 lb.

The A-4E equipped many USN/USMC attack and fighter squadrons. A workhorse attack aircraft of the Vietnam War, 195 Skyhawks were lost, many of them A-4Es.

The author would welcome contact with anyone with additional photos and comment on the Douglas A-4E.

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