External differences between A-4E,F Skyhawks

[Raptor.777]

Is there a dreastic different externally between a E and F model of the Skyhawk?

Thanks

Jeff

[Crash Test Dummy]

Quote

 A-4F was similar to the A-4E, but with addition of nose wheel steering, wing lift spoilers, and the upgraded Escapac 1-C3 ejection seat.

From https://skyhawk.org/article/douglas-a4-skyhawk-production-history

 

If you have the 1/48 Hasegawa kit it has different parts on the nosewheel for the steering system differences and the panel lines for the spoilers can be scribed or cut to make them stand out. I don't know the that ejection seat differences would be noticeable. 

 

There were also the "Super Fox" A-4Fs fitted with the more powerful J52-P408 engine and enlarged inlets, but this was an Adversary aircraft mod and not something you would find in an operational squadron plane.

[spejic]

There are other differences, but they are kind of on the level of individual aircraft and time frame. The very first A-4Fs did not have the avionics hump, but that was soon part of the construction of the type and kits were sent out to add the humps to the first A-4Fs and also A-4Es. So a A-4F you build will almost certainly have the hump, and an A-4E you build will or won't depending on the year you are modelling. There were a few changes to antennas over time and location. A few minor changes in the instrument panel between early A-4E's, and late A-4Es and Fs. So you need to check pictures of the aircraft you are modelling to be sure.

 

[RichB63]

Super Foxes, circa 1975

 

[Raptor.777]

Thanks, I appreciate iate it

[Tailspin Turtle]

16 hours ago, Crash Test Dummy said:

From https://skyhawk.org/article/douglas-a4-skyhawk-production-history

 

If you have the 1/48 Hasegawa kit it has different parts on the nosewheel for the steering system differences and the panel lines for the spoilers can be scribed or cut to make them stand out. I don't know the that ejection seat differences would be noticeable. 

 

There were also the "Super Fox" A-4Fs fitted with the more powerful J52-P408 engine and enlarged inlets, but this was an Adversary aircraft mod and not something you would find in an operational squadron plane.

As indicated by the pictures that Rich posted, Super Foxes were initially assigned to operational squadrons that deployed. They were subsequently flown by adversary squadrons and the Blue Angels when they switched from the F-4 to the A-4.

[Taylor Durbon]

Afaik is the only obviously difference between the E and the F the location of the pitottube. At the E it is located directly beneath the windshild, at the F far down the nose.

[Raptor.777]

2 hours ago, Taylor Durbon said:

Afaik is the only obviously difference between the E and the F the location of the pitottube. At the E it is located directly beneath the windshild, at the F far down the nose.

it looks like there is an angle of attack sensor right below the windshield and the pitot tube is further down. I am going to build an E model from the Marine Corp. Is the pitot tube up by the AOA sensor on the E model then?

Thanks

Jeff

[Taylor Durbon]

Yes, the pitot and the sensor sitting side by side in front of the windscreen.

 

[Raptor.777]

Thank you

Jeff