- For PC
- For MAC
- For Linux
- OS: Windows 7 SP1/8/10 (64 bit)
- Processor: Dual-Core 2.2 GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- Video Card: DirectX 10.1 level video card: AMD Radeon 77XX / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660. The minimum supported resolution for the game is 720p.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 17 GB
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64 bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 3600 and better
- Memory: 16 GB and more
- Video Card: DirectX 11 level video card or higher and drivers: Nvidia GeForce 1060 and higher, Radeon RX 570 and higher
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 95 GB
- OS: Mac OS Big Sur 11.0 or newer
- Processor: Core i5, minimum 2.2GHz (Intel Xeon is not supported)
- Memory: 6 GB
- Video Card: Intel Iris Pro 5200 (Mac), or analog from AMD/Nvidia for Mac. Minimum supported resolution for the game is 720p with Metal support.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 17 GB
- OS: Mac OS Big Sur 11.0 or newer
- Processor: Core i7 (Intel Xeon is not supported)
- Memory: 8 GB
- Video Card: Radeon Vega II or higher with Metal support.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 95 GB
- OS: Most modern 64bit Linux distributions
- Processor: Dual-Core 2.4 GHz
- Memory: 4 GB
- Video Card: NVIDIA 660 with latest proprietary drivers (not older than 6 months) / similar AMD with latest proprietary drivers (not older than 6 months; the minimum supported resolution for the game is 720p) with Vulkan support.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 17 GB
- OS: Ubuntu 20.04 64bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Memory: 16 GB
- Video Card: NVIDIA 1060 with latest proprietary drivers (not older than 6 months) / similar AMD (Radeon RX 570) with latest proprietary drivers (not older than 6 months) with Vulkan support.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 95 GB
A new squadron vehicle is coming to War Thunder! This time, one of the better jet attackers in the game, the American A-4E Skyhawk with a new powerful engine and increased combat load
The beginning of the jet era and the escalation of the Cold War forced the US naval aviation command to look for a replacement for the very successful carrier-based piston-engine AD Skyraider, with the possibility of delivering a tactical nuclear weapon in the area of operation of an aircraft carrier group.With the beginning of the military campaign in Korea, the Douglas Aircraft Company began developing a carrier-based attack aircraft with an unconventional approach - instead of pursuing engine power, usually bringing weight and large size to the aircraft, Ed Heinemann’s team concentrated on finding ways to lighten the construction, keeping it under 12,000 lbs.
The projected aircraft was a fairly compact, lightweight jet fighter-attacker with a delta-shaped wing and a competently lightweight design. This is how the A-4A Skyhawk was born, one of the first jet-based carrier-based aircraft capable of carrying a nuclear bomb. The aircraft was distinguished by its simplicity of design, practical controls with excellent flight characteristics for its time. Soon, in 1956, the A-4B version appeared, capable of carrying a huge variety of mounted weapons on three suspension points, including guided missiles.
Thus, "Skyhawk" had become a truly universal carrier-based aircraft, capable of solving the entire spectrum of tasks for US Naval Aviation. A rather noticeable drawback of the attack aircraft was still the limited range of action, also army types always wanted to increase the weapon load. In 1961, Douglas presented an improved version of the aircraft with five pylons for armament and a new engine, which compensated for a heavier combat load, and also increased the range of the attack aircraft. It was the A-4E that became one of the most massive Skyhawk modifications and formed the image of a modern carrier-based attack aircraft. The "E" version was actively involved in the Vietnam War, and later, up till the end of the 80’s, was used to simulate enemy aircraft in training dogfights.
War Thunder pilots and tankers know well the American A-4B attack aircraft, one of the best ground strikers in the game. Good speed and controllability, as well as a luxurious selection of sets of guided and unguided weapons make it an excellent choice in any game mode, especially destroying enemy ground vehicles. We're introducing a new version of this attacker for squadron players. The A-4E Skyhawk with a new engine and an increase to five pylons, is an excellent addition to the top tier US tank setup and a very comfortable vehicle for air missions.
The A-4E's weapon selection is almost the same as the A-4B's, but you can now take more deadly gifts into battle for any type of enemy. In addition to the 2x Colt 20mm cannons, you will find a long list of mounted weapons in a wide variety of combinations. AIM-9B Air-to-air missiles, AGM-12B and AGM-12C air-to-surface missiles, up to 36 Zuni and 171 Mighty Mouse rockets, bombs of up to 2,000 lbs (including 14x500lbs and 20x250lbs combinations) to a total payload of 7000 lbs, additional gun pods - choose from many sets for each mission!
Interesting: On December 5, 1965, a ‘Broken Arrow’ incident occurred in the Philippine Sea near the Japanese island of Kikaijima. During transportation on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga, an A-4E with a pilot and a 1Mt nuclear bomb suspended under the fuselage rolled overboard and sank. So far, no aircraft, pilot, or bomb has been found.
The new J52-P-6 engine is more powerful and more economical than the previous one, but overall it retains the familiar A-4B flight characteristics: the A-4E max speed under ideal conditions and without load is 584 knots (about 1080 kmh), but most often you will have to operate at speeds of about 400-500 mph over land or sea, which is pretty good for an attack aircraft. After the A-4E drops its payload, it becomes noticeably faster and more maneuverable in order to quickly get to an airfield for reload and refuel. Flares can help you to escape from a fighter fired missile or AA missile from the ground. Overall, the A-4E is an harmonious and comfortable jet attack aircraft, capable of carrying a significant payload and withstanding any enemy.
The A-4E Skyhawk will be available for research in one of the next updates.
Unite in squadrons with friends, apply for other squadrons, or create your own to receive truly unique war Thunder squadron vehicles!
Comments (175)
That's cool but... Where's the damn content for the minor nations Gaijin?
This is awesome!
will this ones gunpod have the correct rate of fire or still be a 20mm maxim?
another dev blog so fast?
This is a squadron vehicle not tied to any upcoming major updates.
I mean it does say 'Update' and not 'Major update.'
Nice a new squadron but why again for the US ?, i can understand that Russia and USA kinda had more in terms of military ( Peacekeeping by bombing people ;P ) but honestly, why always those 2 ?, why not some Italian, French, Japanese, Swed.... nevermind that shouldnt have been added in the first place . . . maybe China ?, does someone play them ?. atleast a new Squadron vehicle i guess . .
Very cool plane, glad you guys are adding the more decent variant as a squadron vehicle instead of as a premium ;))) Please consider France for squadron vehicles as well <3
Can you please add an IAF super mystere as a spuadron aircraft. It can carry (irl) shafrir missiles and not aim 9 B's, and I think that adding the version with the skyhawk's engine (idk Wich skyhawk model it was) would be the best, beacose it wi be different.
Squadron vehicles are always welcome, the more the better. When will there be a proper helicopter mode? the current helicopter EC is a monument to all your sins at worst and is the most boring game mode at best. It isn't fun for anyone and as always only possible to grind if you have a top tier premium helicopter.
I want to say something unrelated to this dev. When viewing those planes that have a four-blade propeller in hangar, can you place the propeller in the "×" form instead of “十”？ Or can we someday have the opportunity to do it by ourselves?
A-4E Skyhawk?! Welp, looks like I'm finally joining a squadron. 👍
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