
The Skyhawk Years: The A-4 Skyhawk in Australian Service 1968 - 1984
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780645700411
Publication Date: 10/15/2023
"...an outstanding review of the Royal Australian Air Force’s experience with the Skyhawk." — National Maritime Historical Society
The magnificent Douglas A4 Skyhawk served with the Royal Australian Navy from 1968 until 1984 with two squadrons: VF805 and VC724. VF805 was the frontline fighter unit that served aboard the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, while VC724 was shorebased at Naval Air Station Nowra for training and support.
During that period, the aircraft on the Melbourne gave the RAN a unique capability that was central to Australian defense policy. The Skyhawk Years is a story of busy and varied deployments around Australia, Southeast Asia and regularly to the multinational Rimpac exercises in Hawaii. A particular highlight was a long cruise to the UK in 1977 and participation in the Spithead Naval Review, part of the celebrations for Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee.
With firsthand stories from pilots and maintainers, the challenges of operations from the world’s smallest aircraft carrier are well explained. Also told are thrilling stories of air combat maneuvers against fighters from other countries, with the A4 often surprising more wellcredentialled adversaries.
A string of mishaps ended the embarkation of Skyhawks on the Melbourne in 1980, with a sad period following which saw the ultimate scrapping of RAN fixedwing aviation four years later. However, among the former pilots and maintainers many fond memories of A4 operations remain alive.
The magnificent Douglas A4 Skyhawk served with the Royal Australian Navy from 1968 until 1984 with two squadrons: VF805 and VC724. VF805 was the frontline fighter unit that served aboard the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, while VC724 was shorebased at Naval Air Station Nowra for training and support.
During that period, the aircraft on the Melbourne gave the RAN a unique capability that was central to Australian defense policy. The Skyhawk Years is a story of busy and varied deployments around Australia, Southeast Asia and regularly to the multinational Rimpac exercises in Hawaii. A particular highlight was a long cruise to the UK in 1977 and participation in the Spithead Naval Review, part of the celebrations for Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee.
With firsthand stories from pilots and maintainers, the challenges of operations from the world’s smallest aircraft carrier are well explained. Also told are thrilling stories of air combat maneuvers against fighters from other countries, with the A4 often surprising more wellcredentialled adversaries.
A string of mishaps ended the embarkation of Skyhawks on the Melbourne in 1980, with a sad period following which saw the ultimate scrapping of RAN fixedwing aviation four years later. However, among the former pilots and maintainers many fond memories of A4 operations remain alive.
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