start with something like this?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_A-4AR_Fightinghawk
Quote from: elmayerle on October 08, 2012, 10:36:08 AMHmm, a dedicated air defense version would need a decent radar. Prior to the 1970s, what could be fitted would likely be something like that fitted to the F11F-1 or some of Emerson's designs on the various F-5 variants; you'd really need to get into the late-1970s to get fairly capable radars for that small a radome (the F-20's AN/APG-67 comes to mind). Personally, I'd like to see a combination of the A-4Kahu systems fit with a dry RM-12 or F414 engine fit based on what Singapore did with the F404 and arm it with a mix of Python-4 and Darter missiles.That would make sense for a '80s/'90s version. I was really thinking something more for the '60s/'70s though. Maybe give it the AN/APQ-153 radar from the F-5E? Arm it with IR and SARH AIM-9s?
Hmm, a dedicated air defense version would need a decent radar. Prior to the 1970s, what could be fitted would likely be something like that fitted to the F11F-1 or some of Emerson's designs on the various F-5 variants; you'd really need to get into the late-1970s to get fairly capable radars for that small a radome (the F-20's AN/APG-67 comes to mind). Personally, I'd like to see a combination of the A-4Kahu systems fit with a dry RM-12 or F414 engine fit based on what Singapore did with the F404 and arm it with a mix of Python-4 and Darter missiles.
Only 4 EA-4F's appear to have been built. Was there a foreign market for them in smaller air forces?
I suppose given their training focus they weren't ever really considered. Mind you a dedicated EA-4 with say a pair of AN/ALQ-99 pods (see below) might be interesting to see:
And what might be considered a Scooter heresy: alternate wing planforms. Swept, scimitar, kinked delta, etc.
Killer A-4X with updated AESA radar, ASRAAM, CUDA, Brimstone, HMD, F414...
Quote from: GTX_Admin on March 31, 2013, 03:34:33 PMKiller A-4X with updated AESA radar, ASRAAM, CUDA, Brimstone, HMD, F414...Curiosity: would the existing radome of the A-4K be able to accommodate the Blue Vixen radar, or would it need to be replaced by, say, a lengthened one?
Curiosity: would the existing radome of the A-4K be able to accommodate the Blue Vixen radar, or would it need to be replaced by, say, a lengthened one?
Quote from: dy031101 on April 10, 2013, 11:03:51 AMCuriosity: would the existing radome of the A-4K be able to accommodate the Blue Vixen radar, or would it need to be replaced by, say, a lengthened one?What’s inside the radome is just the antenna. Most of the radar is in black boxes behind it. In the case of the Kahu upgrade they used the F-16’s APG-66 radar but to fit the outer mould line of the Skyhawk they reduced the size of the antenna. In the case of the FA-2 upgrade of the Sea Harrier being that the OEM was on hand and the RN had a lot more funds and resources to play with than the RNZAF they decided to change the outer mould line of the aircraft with a bulbous radome to accommodate the increased size of the ideal antenna for Blue Vixen over the previous Blue Fox. While this enabled improved performance it increased risk by potentially disturbing the aircraft’s aerodynamics and the air flow to the intakes. This was a risk the RNZAF was unwilling to take so accepted a decreased antenna size to not change the Skyhawk’s aerodynamics.The Skyhawk could be fitted with the Blue Vixen radar but like the APG-66 it would entail a reduction in antenna size. This will in turn reduce the antenna gain of the radar and therefore sensitivity and range. Blue Vixen performance was closely tied to the AIM-120A missile and reducing the antenna gain could impact AMRAAM engagement range. However if the objective of putting Blue Vixen in Skyhawks was to obtain an all-important two seat mission systems trainer (RN used Hunters for this role) then you could still impart skills in systems operations but not get the most out of tactical training.
