![]() Alternatively, 10 296 pounds can be delivered at a mission radius of 450 miles with two 300-gallon external tanks. For that mission, four 300-gallon external tanks are carried. ![]() For example, a weapons load of 2080 Pounds consisting of a Mark 43 nuclear bomb can be delivered at a mission radius of' 890 miles. As with all versatile attack aircraft, many combinations of payload and mission radius are available to the A-6E. A wide variety of stores, however, can be mounted externally these include both conventional and nuclear bombs, fuel tanks, and an assortment of rockets and missiles. No guns of any kind are carried aboard the A-6, and the aircraft has no internal bomb bay. Evading over 100 guided missiles, the strike force flew at low levels in complete darkness, and accurately delivered laser-guided and other ordnance on target. With Air Force FB-111s, A-6E Intruders penetrated the sophisticated Libyan air defense systems, which had been alerted by the high level of diplomatic tension and by rumors of impending attacks. The A-6E proved that it was the best all-weather precision bomber in the world in the joint strike on Libyan terrorist-related targets in 1986. With the ability to carry more ordnance, launch a wider variety of space-age smart weapons, conduct day or night strikes over greater distances on internal fuel than any carrier borne aircraft before or since, and provide mid-air refueling support to other carrier jets, the Intruder represents the most versatile military aircraft in modern times. The all-weather attack jet has seen action in every conflict the US has been involved in since Vietnam. Its forte was to fly low and alone-in any weather. A little-known fact is that the Intruder delivered more ordnance during the Vietnam War than the B-52.Ī tough and versatile aircraft, the A-6 was called upon to fly the most difficult missions. Carrying an impressive payload of ordnance, only land-based heavy bombers such as the B-1 and B-52 could carry more. A testament to the aircraft's versatility and longevity was the myriad upgrades and technological enhancements that kept it the world's premier long-range, all-weather attack aircraft for over 30 years. Built by the legendary Grumman "Ironworks," 687 production attack Intruders were accepted by the Navy. The aircraft's ruggedness and all-weather mission capability made it an awesome asset to Navy and Marine Corps air wings throughout its lifespan. The Intruder made its first flight in April 1960. The A-6 Intruder served as the Navy's medium-attack mainstay during three decades of conflict, crisis and cold war. One hundred (100) aircraft are stored in War Reserve and the additional excess aircraft are stored for potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS). ![]() The strengths of the Intruder included its capability to fly in all weather and its heavy weapons payload - two traits illuminated on the big screen in the popular action film "Flight of the Intruder." From night flights over the jungles of Vietnam to Desert Storm missions above heavily-fortified targets in Iraq, the Grumman A-6 Intruder developed a work-horse reputation and was the subject of many tales of daring aviation during its 34-year career. These were followed by 482 production A-6As delivered to the US Navy from early 1963. The first of six TA2F-1 prototypes flew for the first time on 19 April 1960. Designed in the late 1950's, the A-6 prototype made its first test flight in April 1960. The subsonic A-6 has no spectacular performance or design features but is superbly suited to the particular attack role for which it so carefully tailored. The Grumman (now Northrop Grumman) A-6 Intruder was an all-weather, two seat, subsonic, carrier-based attack aircraft. ![]()
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