The last version of the Skyhawk series to be built, the A-4M Skyhawk, improved from A-4F and was designed specifically for use by the U.S. Marine Corps.
The A-4M was a further advancement of the Skyhawk. This model boasted several improvements over previous iterations, including the much more powerful J52-P-408 engine, a larger cockpit canopy for superior pilot visibility, a ribbon-type drag chute to slow down the aircraft on landing, a square-edged stabilizer to incorporate installation of the IFF antenna, as well as a reworked refueling probe and engine starter system. Later fitted with Hughes AN/ASB-19 Angle Rate Bombing System (ARBS) with TV and laser spot tracker. The ammunition capacity of the A-4M’s twin 20mm Colt Mk.12 cannons has also been doubled, with a weapons load of nearly 4,000 kilograms on five external hardpoints.
A total of 160 A-4M Skyhawks were built (2 from A-4F) in 10 years. The final A-4M was delivered on February 27, 1979, to the “Bumblebees” of VMA-331, bringing Skyhawk production to an end.
The A-4M is the only Skyhawk model other than the A-4A that has not participated in combat. The A-4M entered service in 1971 when the Vietnam War was coming to an end and in February 1990, before the Gulf War, the A-4M was transferred to the reserve service. During A-4M’s service, it has been deployed in Japan, preparing for a war that may break out. However, the export improved series A-4N and A-4Ku, have been tested in the war instead of the A-4M.
