Hobby Master - 1/72 A-4E Skyhawk 300/AH, VA-163

Designed to replace the antiquated, propeller-driven AD Skyraider, the A-4 Skyhawk was first flown on June 22, 1954. Douglas exceeded the original design requirements by delivering a carrier-capable aircraft that was only half the Navy's weight specification and so compact that it did not need folding wings. The A-4 was the first to use "buddy" air-to-air refueling (an A-4 could refuel other aircraft of the same type), which was helpful when operating in remote locations where dedicated tankers were impractical. The A-4 served the US Navy until 2003 and remained the preferred warplane for the Marine Corps until the 1980s, even after the introduction of the A-7 Corsair II.

In July 1967 John Sidney McCain III survived a deck explosion and fire on the USS Forrestal that killed 134. He then joined the USS Oriskany VA-163 Saints and in October 1967 his A-4E Skyhawk was shot down over Vietnam. Released after 5 1/2 years in prison John retired from the military in 1981 and was elected as a Congressman in 1982 and Senator in 1986. John McCain was considered a national hero and great statesman and when he died in 2018 he was given a state funeral usually reserved for U.S. Presidents and U.S. Supreme Court Justices.

Features:
- Scale 1:72
- Length: 6.75" width: 4.5"
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight"
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads