Posted on 05/29/2015 6:03:47 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Officials from Embraer and the Brazilian Navy line up in front of the first modernized A-4 Skyhawk during delivery ceremony.
In a ceremony at Gavião Peixoto on May 26, Embraer Defense and Security delivered the first of 12 A-4 Skyhawk combat jets that it is modernizing for the Brazilian Navy. Originally built by McDonnell Douglas, and nicknamed ‘the Scooter,’ the Skyhawk is designated AF-1 by the Brazilians. Embraer will upgrade nine AF-1 single-seaters and three AF-1A two-seaters to the AF-1B configuration for service on the Navy’s aircraft carrier, the NAe Sao Paulo.
“This is the first contract for systems integration that we have signed with the Brazilian Navy and, therefore, is a landmark in our relations,” said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The modernization of the AF-1 was a significant technological challenge, since it is a platform that we did not develop. Nevertheless, with the support and competence of the staff of the Brazilian Navy, we were able to deliver a solution that fully meets the operational needs of our client,” he continued. The first delivery occurred about three months later than expected.
The modernization includes new navigation, weapons, power, tactical communications and sensor systems, plus computers and a multimode state-of-the-art radar from IAI Elta Systems of Israel. This equipment, along with the structural work that was performed, will make it possible for these jet fighters to continue operating until 2025, according to Embraer. The modernization program also includes supplying briefing and debriefing stations that are already being used for the training and proficiency of pilots of the VF-1 Falcão Squadron in order to improve their use, to reduce costs, and to bring greater effectiveness to mission planning and execution, Embraer added.
Somewhat of an antique.
Some air forces around the world used P51 Mustangs into the 1970’s.
Is Brazil invading Antarctica?
Pres Dilma Rouseff is a player in the “Foro de Sao Paoulo” the communist movement in South America. These AC are more likely to see action in suppressing protests and civilian uprisings in the cities.
Some Central and South American countries used F4U Corsairs as ground attack ships well into the 70’s as well.
CC
IIRC, Israel recorded kills against Egyptian P-51s in the early 1970s. What a shame.
More capable than the F-35 today.
I think that’s Wilford Brimley, fourth from the left.
Good aircraft... I wonder if they put an afterburner on this mod...always felt it needed one
You weren’t supposed to recognize him with the shades...
Just because an airframe is old, doesn’t mean it is obsolete.
The venerable “spad”.
Very capable aircraft that one.
Just as much of an antique as the B-52, or KC-135. Not to mention the DC-3.
Scooters are effective little aircraft. Primarily light-attack they were decent fighters too (they were the “fighters” for the old USN anti-sub carriers, and used by the USN as adversaries at Topgun). My recollection is that the only reason the Marines parted with theirs was the emphasis on VSTOL operations from the amphib decks.
And they are rock solid from an engineering standpoint. Douglass really built some strong and robust aircraft.
With the Israeli radar, I wonder if they’ll have some kind of radar-guided air to air missile capability. And if they’ll get laser self-designatio pods.
They gave the hump back a nice new bigger humpback.
During the Soccer War, you had P-51s and F4Us dogfighting each other ...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.