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Designing of the A-6 began in 1957 in response to a U.S. Navy request for an aircraft to replace the Douglas Skyraider. The prototype A2F-1 Intruder flew on April 19, 1960. In 1962, the Intruder was redesignated as the A-6 under the joint Navy/Air Force designation system. Production of the A-6E version of the intruder began in December 1970, though many earlier A-6A aircraft were converted to A-6E standards. The A-6E featured up-graded targeting sensors and computers as well as new engines. Eventually the TRAM (Target Recognition Attack Multi-sensor) turret was installed in the Intruders to provide even better target recognition at night and in bad weather using infrared cameras and laser target designators.
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| Wingspan |
53 ft |
| Length |
54 ft 9 in |
| Height |
16 ft 2 in |
| Weight |
54,393 lbs (loaded) |
| Cruise Speed |
644 mph |
| Service Ceiling |
42,400 ft |
| Range |
1,010 miles |
| Engines |
2 Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8A turbojets, 9,300 lbs thrust |
| Crew |
2 |
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