OVERVIEW
The Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk represents a modernization of the A-4M Skyhawk model for service with the Argentine Air Force - few remain active today.
The Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk represents a modernization of the A-4M Skyhawk model for service with the Argentine Air Force - few remain active today.
YEAR: 1997
STATUS: Active, In-Service
MANUFACTURER(S): Lockheed Martin - USA / Lockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina SA; Fabrica Militar de Aviones - Argentina
PRODUCTION: 36
OPERATORS: Argentina
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 1
LENGTH: 40.35 feet (12.3 meters)
WIDTH: 27.56 feet (8.4 meters)
HEIGHT: 14.93 feet (4.55 meters)
WEIGHT (EMPTY): 10,803 pounds (4,900 kilograms)
WEIGHT (MTOW): 24,548 pounds (11,135 kilograms)
ENGINE: 1 x Pratt & Whitney J52P-408A turbojet engine developing 11,200lb of thrust.
SPEED (MAX): 671 miles-per-hour (1080 kilometers-per-hour; 583 knots)
RANGE: 2,001 miles (3,220 kilometers; 1,739 nautical miles)
CEILING: 42,257 feet (12,880 meters; 8.00 miles)
RATE-OF-CLIMB: 8,440 feet-per-minute (2,573 meters-per-minute)
ARMAMENT
STANDARD, FIXED:
2 x 20mm Colt Mk 12 internal cannons.
OPTIONAL:
Up to 9,900lb of externally-carried stores across five total hardpoints supporting air-to-air / air-to-surface missiles, bombs, and rocket pods.
STANDARD, FIXED:
2 x 20mm Colt Mk 12 internal cannons.
OPTIONAL:
Up to 9,900lb of externally-carried stores across five total hardpoints supporting air-to-air / air-to-surface missiles, bombs, and rocket pods.
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• A-4AR "Fightinghawk" - Ground attack model based on the A-4M; 32 conversions completed.
• OA-4AR - Conversion trainers base don the TA-4F; four examples completed.
Series Model Variants
• A-4AR "Fightinghawk" - Ground attack model based on the A-4M; 32 conversions completed.
• OA-4AR - Conversion trainers base don the TA-4F; four examples completed.
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk Ground Attack Fighter / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft. Entry last updated on 4/3/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk Ground Attack Fighter / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft. Entry last updated on 4/3/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Form the period of 1996 to 1999 Lockheed Martin converted thirty-six A-4M "Skyhawk" fighter-bombers to the newer A-4AR "Fightinghawk" standard for the Argentina Air Force. Argentina became the McDonnell product's first export customer when it accepted delivery of A-4P and A-4Q models during the mid-1960s. A prototype completed its first flight in December of 1997 and 32 fighter / ground attack forms (A-4AR) followed along with four dual-seat trainers (OA-4AR). While the line has seen steadily decreasing numbers within the active inventory of the Argentine Air Force over the years, it maintains an "active" status.
Origins of the Fightinghawk lay in the 1980s which saw a worsening political and economic situation hit the South American power - particularly as it took to war against Britain in the Falklands War of 1982. As such, procurement of more modern, yet expensive, aircraft proved prohibitive save for a few exceptions - mainly purchase of used combat platforms from anywhere but the United States and Britain. This resulted in a hodge-podge of aging units being formed until 1989 when a pro-U.S. agenda was established with the new incoming Argentine government. This, in turn, led to an agreement between the United States and Argentina to have the Argentine Air Force stock of Skyhawks upgraded to a more modern fighting standard. The work was completed by American industry powerhouse Lockheed Martin which introduced F-16 Fighting Falcon avionics and other changes to the lightweight fighter-bomber - thus giving the revised aircraft the name of "Fightinghawk".
Changes to the design included all-new ejection seats, reworking of the Pratt & Whitney J52P turbojet engines, new pilot helmets and onboard CounterMeasures (CM) kit, modern jamming equipment, installation of modern avionics, Head-Up Display (HUD), a new Inertial Navigation System (INS), Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) system, Hands-on-Throttle-and-Stick (HOTAS) cockpit control, color CRT cockpit screens, the ARG-1 radar fit (APG-66 series) and the like. The process included delivery of an A-4AR simulator for ground-based pilot training.
Origins of the Fightinghawk lay in the 1980s which saw a worsening political and economic situation hit the South American power - particularly as it took to war against Britain in the Falklands War of 1982. As such, procurement of more modern, yet expensive, aircraft proved prohibitive save for a few exceptions - mainly purchase of used combat platforms from anywhere but the United States and Britain. This resulted in a hodge-podge of aging units being formed until 1989 when a pro-U.S. agenda was established with the new incoming Argentine government. This, in turn, led to an agreement between the United States and Argentina to have the Argentine Air Force stock of Skyhawks upgraded to a more modern fighting standard. The work was completed by American industry powerhouse Lockheed Martin which introduced F-16 Fighting Falcon avionics and other changes to the lightweight fighter-bomber - thus giving the revised aircraft the name of "Fightinghawk".
Changes to the design included all-new ejection seats, reworking of the Pratt & Whitney J52P turbojet engines, new pilot helmets and onboard CounterMeasures (CM) kit, modern jamming equipment, installation of modern avionics, Head-Up Display (HUD), a new Inertial Navigation System (INS), Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) system, Hands-on-Throttle-and-Stick (HOTAS) cockpit control, color CRT cockpit screens, the ARG-1 radar fit (APG-66 series) and the like. The process included delivery of an A-4AR simulator for ground-based pilot training.
As completed, the A-4AR exhibited an empty weight of 10,800lb against a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 24,500lb. Power was from a Pratt & Whitney J52P-408A turbojet engine of 11,200lb thrust propelling the aircraft to speeds of 670 miles per hour, a range out to 2,000 miles, and a service up to 42,250 feet. Rate-of-climb reached 8,440 feet per minute. Armament remained the original 2 x 20mm Colt Mk 12 internal cannons fit with five external hardpoints carrying missiles, rocket pods, and bombs.
Eight Fightinghawks were completed by Lockheed Martin on U.S. soil with the remainder of the aircraft batch rebuilt locally in Argentina. The first was rolled out in August of 1998 and the last one followed in March of 2000 where, once in service, they were quick to replace the outgoing inventory of aging Skyhawk B- and C-models.
A rather uneventful career followed these aircraft as they mostly took part in local exercises and non-combat operations. In early 2016 it was announced that the fleet was grounded / mothballed for the foreseeable future due to emerging issues mainly related to age. Many have ended up in storage leaving about a handful in flyable condition. Two A-4AR are also known to have been lost to accidents joining a single OA-4AR also lost.
Eight Fightinghawks were completed by Lockheed Martin on U.S. soil with the remainder of the aircraft batch rebuilt locally in Argentina. The first was rolled out in August of 1998 and the last one followed in March of 2000 where, once in service, they were quick to replace the outgoing inventory of aging Skyhawk B- and C-models.
A rather uneventful career followed these aircraft as they mostly took part in local exercises and non-combat operations. In early 2016 it was announced that the fleet was grounded / mothballed for the foreseeable future due to emerging issues mainly related to age. Many have ended up in storage leaving about a handful in flyable condition. Two A-4AR are also known to have been lost to accidents joining a single OA-4AR also lost.
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Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 750mph
Lo: 375mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (671mph).
Graph average of 562.5 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
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PAR
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BER
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Graph showcases the Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
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Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
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Altitude Visualization
