TA-4AR Skyhawk
Lockheed Martin · United States · first flew 1997 · fighter
The TA-4AR is the two-seat tandem trainer variant of Argentina's A-4AR Fightinghawk, a modernised Skyhawk converted from US Navy A-4M surplus airframes under a Lockheed Martin programme in the 1990s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.72 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Two-seat tandem A-4 Skyhawk with the characteristic humped spine raised further for rear instructor cockpit
- Argentine 'Fightinghawk' A-4AR conversion — USAF-surplus A-4M airframes with F-16-era avionics suite
- Only 4 aircraft; extremely rare; based at Tandil as OA-4AR forward air controller variant
The distinctive A-4 family hump is further emphasised by the raised rear cockpit added for the instructor. Twin canopies are clearly visible in profile. Fightinghawk-standard aircraft carry a prominent dorsal antenna array and modern HUD visible through the forward windscreen.
Specifications
- The TA-4AR Skyhawk has a length of 12.72 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.38 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1040 km/h (646 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Argentina's A-4AR Fightinghawk programme (1996–99) converted 36 ex-US A-4M Skyhawk airframes to a modern standard with F-16A-equivalent avionics, HUD, GPS and a new radar warning suite. Four of these were completed as TA-4AR two-seat trainers (also designated OA-4AR for forward air control duties). First flight of the prototype was in December 1997; deliveries to Grupo 5 de Caza followed in 1998–99.
Variants
TA-4AR (trainer/OA-4AR forward air controller). The single-seat A-4AR is the main production type.
Where you'll see it
Argentine Air Force Grupo 5 de Caza, Tandil. Very small fleet; retired approximately 2024–26 as the A-4AR fleet wound down.
Related aircraft
- F-22 Raptor
- Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk
- C-130J Super Hercules
- Lockheed Martin Desert Hawk
- Hawk 127
- IAMI (HESA) Azarakhsh
- L-159 ALCA
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI
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