![]() ![]() ![]() On September 18, 1962, the A2F-1 was redesignated A-6A. ![]() Initial deliveries to the training squadron VA-42 at NAS Oceana in Virginia began in February of 1963. While the problems with the DIANE system were being worked on, carrier trials began aboard the USS Enterprise in December of 1962. Initial assignment to the fleet was delayed by almost a year while the problems with the DIANE system were identified and fixed. As expected for such a complex system, the DIANE system had lots of teething troubles and was initially quite unreliable. The fourth aircraft (BuNo 147867) was the first airplane to be fitted with the full set of avionics. It carried no radar, and was equipped with only enough electronic equipment to allow for safe flight. The first example (BuNo 147864), powered by a pair of YJ52-P-6 engines, was rolled out at Bethpage on April 14, 1960. Since the aircraft was strictly subsonic, complex variable-geometry intakes were not required, and the intakes were simple D-shaped inlets with a small, fixed splitter plate to separate out the fuselage boundary layer air. Since supersonic performance was not called for, the aircraft was powered by a pair of non-afterburning Pratt & Whitney J52 turbojets mounted on the lower corners of the central part of the fuselage, fed by large intakes mounted on the lower sides of the forward fuselage. An ability to take off and land in short distances was required, as was a top speed of at least 500 knots and a mission radius of at least 300 nautical miles. The request was accompanied by Type Specification 149, which asked for a two-seat aircraft capable of performing in all-weather conditions. The A-6E Intruder is being replaced by the F/A-18 Hornet and will be phased out of service within the next year or two.The Grumman A2F (A-6) Intruder was the result of a February 1957 Navy request for proposals for a replacement for the Douglas AD Skyraider in both the Navy and the Marine Corps. It is configured for both Harm and Harpoon missiles and with its radar and FLIR/laser systems, can detect, classify and attack a full range of targets. It has been constantly improved upon over this time span and has been used for close-air-support, interdiction, and deep-strike missions. The Intruder has been the mainstay of the Navy and Marine Corps air arms for more than three decades. The A-6E, last model in the series, features a multi-mode radar and an improved computer. The A-6C, born of the SEAsia war, incorporates electro-optical sensors to observe and attack vehicles moving under cover of darkness. ![]() The A-6B, whose primary job was the suppression of surface-to-air missiles, was basically an avionics modification of the A-6A with provisions for the Navy's anti-radiation missile. The A-6A first entered service in February 1963 with VA-42. Due to this ability, the Intruder has often been used as a pathfinder for other types of attack aircraft, allowing their use under conditions which would not normally permit a successful mission. To assist them, the all-weather navigation and weapons delivery system provides an integrated electronic display which allows them to "see" targets and geographical features regardless of the effects of darkness or foul weather. The Intruder is manned by a crew of two, pilot and bombardier-navigator, seated side by side. and NATO air-to-ground weapons in its five external store stations-a total payload of 18,000 pounds. While the Intruder may not win any beauty contests, it clearly excels in its assigned mission. This extremely accurate, low-altitude, long-range, subsonic weapons system is powered by two turbojet engines partially buried in its plump fuselage. The A-6 Intruder is the world's first fully all-weather attack bomber capable of detecting and identifying tactical or strategic targets, and delivering both conventional and nuclear ordnance on them under zero-visibility conditions. ![]()
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