Jump to content

A-4B vs A-4C differences?


Recommended Posts

Is the only visual difference between the 2 models the nose?  I have a C kit and were thinking of getting a B nose for conversion.  I looked online and didn't find any definitive information.  I appreciate any input..

Thanks,

Gary

Link to post
Share on other sites
2 minutes ago, Tailspin Turtle said:

https://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2010/07/a4d-skyhawk.html

 

The C (-2N) was "all-weather" so other additions from the B (-2) were the windshield wiper, the radar altimeter antenna under the left wing (reportedly added to some -2s), etc (see the link above)

Great, thanks!  I knew that it existed somewhere but just couldn't locate it.  

Link to post
Share on other sites

Additionally, many, perhaps most, A4D-2 aircraft featured the “early style” wingtip lighting configuration.

 

Also, by the mid 1960s A4D-2’s (by then A-4B’s) were fitted with windshield wipers.


The instrument panel layout was significantly different than later model Skyhawks too.

 

BuNo 142928

bcQXIZH.jpg
 

0XOcWNU.jpg


 

VA-95 A-4B’s circa 1967-68
VDeMIAS.jpg

 

tiEY78a.jpg

Edited by RichB63
Link to post
Share on other sites

In the 1/48 Hasegawa Skyhawk kits, the bulk of the B & C kits are identical and share several sprues with the E/F and M based kits. The there are different sprues for the different nose cones and the "B" sprue includes a different instrument panel that is flat across the bottom.  

 

MAW-Decals did a conversion about 15 years ago, but they've been inactive for several years.

48r010.jpg.0d4baa25920533b8e0535e16f6f7adf8.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites
9 hours ago, fulcrum1 said:

The A-4B and the RF-4C get no love from Hase

The RF-4C is easy enough, just pick up the B and use the instructions you find on Scalemates with aftermarket decals. 
As for the A-4B/C, it is a bit of a niche compared to later versions, so not the main sellers. But they are possible to find, specialy if you are willing to find another boxing and instructions for ie the B 

Link to post
Share on other sites

For "us" 1/72 modelers, Hobby 2000 has reissued the excellent Fujimi Skyhawks, including the B and C as well as other.  Outstanding packaging and Cartograf decals.

 

Available at a very affordable price and great service from here!

 

Gene K

Edited by GeneK
Link to post
Share on other sites
11 hours ago, Niels said:

As for the A-4B/C, it is a bit of a niche compared to later versions, so not the main sellers. 

Niels, I get the gist of what you are saying.  The later versions were used by more users, USN, IDF, RAN, RNZAF, USMC etc.  But niche?
 
Look at the numbers:
A-4A, 166 built.
          A-4B  542 built.
          A-4C 638 built.
 
To me, those are not niche numbers.  And for the early part of the Vietnam war, they did they a lot of the USN/USMC bombing.  
Nevertheless, it is my fault for not jumping on getting one when they were available.  Each month I look at the new releases in hopes of a Hasegawa A-4B, I will just keep waiting.  
Link to post
Share on other sites

OK, niche is maybe the wrong word, but you got my point 🍺😊👍

Here is by the way a couple of conversions for those interested: 
CAT4 Models 1/48 A-4C Skyhawk big radome nose section (for Hasegawa) R48019 | eBay

CAT4 Models 1/48 A-4B/P/Q Skyhawk nose section (for Hasegawa) R48035 | eBay

Edit: 
CAT4 is on discount at The48ers.com; 
A-4A conversion set (the48ers.com)

 

Edited by Niels
Link to post
Share on other sites

AFAIK the B's were used on a single cruise in Vietnam. VA-15 and VA-97. The C's were used much more. Plus I feel it's quite easy to mistake B for C.

Again, if You're 1/72 scale modeler, apart from the re-released Fujimi Skyhawk family, there used to be a nice colourfull decal sheet (or two) from Xtradecal for A-4B's.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...