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Designation: A-6E

Grumman A-6E

Grumman A-6E Intruder

A picture of the 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

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