McDonnell-Douglas A-4 Skyhawk

[Scott Youmans]

Thank you very much Jeff.  I was surprised to see them there. Two single-seaters and the TA-4. Was also lucky to get them taxiing out. The only other times I saw them they were tied down and plugged up. Had to shoot quickly as they were already running when I got there.

[Scott Youmans]

You can never have too many Skyhawks

[Joe Copalman]

The Skyhawk is one of the best subjects for a low-angle front-quarter shot.  Just frames so well.  My favorite of the bunch so far!

[Scott Youmans]

Thanks Joe! Ed Heinemann and his team got it right.

[Joe Copalman]

Thanks Joe! Ed Heinemann and his team got it right.

Damn right they did.  Heinemann is hands-down my favorite designer.  So many of the US military's workhorses came from his shop.  It's something we kind of take for granted now with the F-16, F-15, A-10 etc having served as long as they have, but back then it was pretty remarkable to have tactical aircraft that served in Korea or WWII still in frontline US service in Vietnam as late as 1972.  Pretty sure Heinemann is the only designer who has that honor for three tactical designs (A-1, A-26, and F3D/F-10).     

[David Loera]

IMG_0951 by David Loera, on Flickr