A-4 Skyhawk: Douglas' Famous Scooter (WARchive Photo Series) Hardcover – March 9, 2025

The WARchive Photo Series brings the previously unpublished aviation photo collection of Will Riepl to the world. With over 110 never before seen photos, this book provides a unique view of the diminutive Douglas A-4 Skyhawk.The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk was designed for the US Navy as a jet-powered replacement for the Douglas A-1 Skyraider and quickly found itself popular in attack squadrons in both the Navy and Marine Corps. The performance of the A-4 Skyhawk was so impressive that it became the aircraft used by the Blue Angels for well over a decade. The type saw extensive combat operations over Southeast Asia and is still in operation with Brazil in 2025 and in civilian aggressor roles.This book covers the A-4 Skyhawk in operation with the US Navy and US Marine Corps in regular fleet service, combat operations in Vietnam, as a primary jet trainer, an aggressor aircraft, and with the Blue Angels demonstration team, from the 1950s to the 1990s. The Skyhawk wore many interesting color schemes during those years, and these photos highlight that camouflage diversity. The Skyhawk also was a popular aircraft for anniversary schemes, including the US Bicentennial and the US Navy's 75th Anniversary of Naval Aviation, many of which are illustrated in this book. Read more