The first production A4D Skyhawks carried two 150-gallon external tanks. These were soon superseded by 300-gallon tanks for additional range. At some point, the original 52" long pylons were replaced by longer ones.
Original:
Longer:
The later wing pylons were increased in length by 10 inches, all added at the aft end. In other words, the leading edge of the pylon remained just aft of the slat and the lugs/sway braces were in the same location under the wing. Note that the 300-gallon tank could be loaded on the early pylon. It appears that the additional length may have been necessary for compatibility with the multiple ejector rack.
Bill Larkins Photo
For better illustration of the external tanks:
Thanks Tommy!!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the longer pylons had multiple suspension points that allowed stores to be moved fore or aft to get their CG more in line with that of the airplane.
ReplyDeleteNo - still only two, 14 inches apart (the more visible sway braces were 20 inches apart) and not adjustable as to location along the pylon.
DeleteMERs have 30 inch lugs, though, and the A-4s I worked around (M and OA-4M, so TA-4F) took them without adapter, so the racks in pylons 2,3 and 4 had both 14 and 30 inch suspension. 1 and 5 were 14 inch suspension only, though.
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