A-7D Corsair II - Alexander City, AL - Static Aircraft Displays on Waymarking.com

In the early 1960s, the USN began to seek a replacement for the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk in the carrier-borne attack role. Despite being coveted by those who flew it, and being relatively simple to fly, the A-4's small size "cursed" it with many limitations, handicapping its ordnance load and range. However, it was an incredibly able attack platform, and especially agile. The USN's request for a replacement was answered in 1964 when Vought submitted their proposed design, an F-8 crusader modified to specialize in the attack role with a considerably more rounded intake and nose. The Navy was pleased with the aircraft, as it possessed capabilities that allow it to serve for a long period of time, and it could carry a large amount of ordnance to wherever it was needed the most. A total of three prototypes, designated YA-7As, were ordered, and first flew in the year 1965. It took two more years for the aircraft to enter service as the A-7A Corsair II, giving the program one of the fastest development periods in the history of post-WWII attack aircraft.

The most distinguishable feature on the A-7A (And subsequent variants) was the enormous intake situated under the nose, giving the fuselage a thick, bulky shape. The intake was intentionally huge as the powerful engine required a large amount of airflow, and it allowed the A-7 to attack targets at higher speeds than its contemporaries. To the fore of the fuselage, mounted on the port side and starboard sides of the intake rested the gun exit nozzle, the only evidence of the lethal 20mm cannons lurking within. These were replaced on later variants by a single port-side M61A1 six-barrel 20mm rotary cannon. Over 6000 Kg of ordnance could be carried on six hardpoints, sometimes up to 6804Kg of ordnance on later variants. Bombing missions and rocket strikes were carried out on a regular basis during Vietnam and later in the Gulf war.

The Corsair II was in fact named in honour of Vought's legendary fighter-bomber F4U corsair of the Second World War.

The success of the now famous and much-loved Corsair over Vietnam also attracted the interest of the USAF, who ordered their own variant designated the A-7D of which 459 were constructed. Instead of using another Pratt & Whitney engine, Rolls-Royce Spey engines were built under license producing 499 more Kg of thrust than the TF309. These equipped an M61A1, sensor equipment, and modernized navigation and avionics systems.

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While this aircraft appears to be painted as anaircraft of the Alabama Air National Guard I can find no reference that the AL ANG ever flew these planes. The aircraft tail number falls in a grooup liste as "Cancelled contract for General Dynamics F-111D."

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Type of Aircraft: (make/model): A-7D Corsair II Tail Number: (S/N): 73-010 Construction:: original aircraft Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): The aircraft is part of a veterans memorial in the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. inside / outside: outside Access restrictions: The Charles E. Bailey Sportplex is open to the public 24/7. Other Information:: Not listed

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