Grumman A-6E
Grumman A-6E Intruder
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 upgraded targeting sensors and computers as well as new engines. Eventually the TRAM (Target Recognition Attack Multisensor) turret was installed in the Intruders to provide even better target recognition at night and in bad weather using infra-red cameras and laser target designators. The Intruder was retired from service by the U. S. Navy and the Marine Corps in 1997.
| Wingspan | 53 ft |
Wingspan |
| Length | 54 ft 9 in. |
Length |
| Height | 16 ft 2 in. |
Height |
| Weight | 60,400 lbs (loaded) |
Weight |
| Max. Speed | 644 MPH |
Maximum Speed |
| Service Ceiling | 42,400 ft |
Service Ceiling |
| Range | 1,010 miles |
Range |
| Engines | Two Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8A turbojets with 9,300 pounds of thrust |
Engines |
| Crew | 2 |
Crew |
Manufacturer
Grumman
Markings
Navy Attack Squadron 165 (VA-165), Naval Air Station Whidby Island, Washington. 1984
Serial Number
155713
Designation
A-6E