ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk

ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk
Country	Republic of Singapore
Role	Fighter-bomber, Advanced jet trainer
First flight	19 September 1986
Built	150

The ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk is a major upgrade project of the Douglas A-4S Skyhawk attack aircraft undertaken by Singapore Aircraft Industries (SAI, now ST Aerospace) in the 1980s. It was used exclusively by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), serving in the fighter-bomber role from 1989 until retirement from front line service in 2005. Since mid-1999, the A-4SU took on the additional role of being the designated advanced jet trainer (AJT) aircraft for the RSAF’s AJT training program/detachment in Cazaux, France.

Source: ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk on Wikipedia

TA-4SU Skyhawk Walk Around
Photographer	Robert Verhegghen
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	67

TA-4SU Skyhawk 01

TA-4SU Skyhawk 02

TA-4SU Skyhawk 03

TA-4SU Skyhawk 04

TA-4SU Skyhawk 05

TA-4SU Skyhawk 06

TA-4SU Skyhawk 07

TA-4SU Skyhawk 08

TA-4SU Skyhawk 09

Click on a photo and use the mouse scroll to view all photos

Wait, Searching ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk for you…

General Characteristics and Upgrade

The TA-4SU Super Skyhawk is the two-seat trainer variant of the A-4SU Super Skyhawk, which was a major modernization of the Douglas A-4S/A-4S-1 Skyhawk attack aircraft carried out by Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aerospace) for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in the late 1980s. The upgrade transformed the aircraft by replacing its original underpowered engine with a modern turbofan and installing advanced avionics. The TA-4SU is unique among Skyhawk trainers, featuring a 710 mm (28 inch) fuselage plug and two completely separate cockpits, each with its own canopy, giving the rear-seat instructor excellent forward visibility. It was used for operational conversion and advanced jet training.

Property	Typical Value (TA-4SU Trainer)
Role	Advanced Jet Trainer / Combat Trainer
National Origin	United States (Original) / Singapore (Upgrade)
Manufacturer	ST Aerospace (Upgrade)
Service Entry (SU Variant)	1989
Crew	2 (Student and Instructor)
Length Overall	Approx. 13.10 m (43 ft) (Longer than single-seater due to plug)
Wingspan	8.38 m (27 ft 6 in)
Height	4.57 m (15 ft 0 in)
Max Takeoff Weight	10,205 kg (22,500 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engine: One General Electric F404-GE-100D non-afterburning turbofan engine.
Thrust: 48.4 kN (10,800 lbf).
- Note: This replacement improved climb rate by 35% and acceleration by 40% compared to the original J65 turbojet.
Maximum Speed: 1,128 km/h (701 mph; 609 knots).
Rate of Climb: Approx. 55 m/s (10,913 ft/min).
Ferry Range: 3,220 km (2,000 mi) with 3 external drop tanks.
Service Ceiling: 12,192 m (40,000 ft).

Armament and Avionics

Fixed Armament: 2 x 30 mm ADEN cannons (200 rounds/gun).
Hardpoints: 5 total (1 centreline, 4 underwing) with a capacity of 4,500 kg (9,900 lb).
Ordnance Capability: Can carry a variety of munitions, including:
- Air-to-Air Missiles: AIM-9 Sidewinder.
- Air-to-Surface Missiles: AGM-65 Maverick.
- Bombs: Paveway Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs) and Mark 80 series unguided bombs.
Avionics Upgrade: The suite includes a GEC/Ferranti 4510 Head-up display (HUD), Litton LN-93 Inertial Navigation System (INS), and multi-function displays.
Trainer Feature: Fully capable of weapons delivery, serving as a combat trainer, unlike many other two-seat trainers.