Hobby Master RNZAF A-4K Skyhawk “Lizard Scheme” NZ6201

1/72 A-4K Skyhawk RNZAF 2 Squadron 'Lizard Scheme' NZ6201 1987

Superb detailing in 1/72 scale - Die-cast metal - Fully assembled - Boxed
Pre-painted with pad applied markings - Minimum use of plastic.
Option to display model with wheels up or down - Display stand included.

The A-4K Skyhawk

The A-4 Skyhawk was designed by Ed Heinemann from the Douglas Aircraft Corporation and first flew in 1954. Designed as a lightweight single engine attack aircraft it was consider by many to be the most famous ever built in this category. The A-4 was the pioneer of the “buddy” air-to-air refueling concept where aircraft of the same type could transfer fuel from one to the other without the use of a dedicated tanker. . A total of 2,960 A-4 aircraft were produced with the USMC retiring the last one in 1996.

NZ6201  History A-4K   

• Serial No. BU157904    
  
• First flight from Douglas factory at Long Beach on 10 November 1969.

Arrived at Auckland aboard the helicopter carrier USS Okinawa on 17 May 1970 and towed by road to Whenuapai. Test flown at Whenuapai on 25 May 1970 before being ferried to No.75 Squadron, Ohakea.

While on an exercise from RAAF Base, Williamtown on 26 June 1975 the aircraft suffered a disabling hydraulic failure.

Although almost uncontrollable the US Navy exchange pilot, Captain Ed. Carter managed to land the aircraft safely. Awarded the AFC.

Hit high tension power lines in the Buller Gorge on 19 March 2001 while on a low flying exercise and suffered damage to the tail. Emergency landing made at Woodbourne where the aircraft was later repaired.

Took part in the farewell flyover of the North Island to commemorate the closure of the RNZAF Air Combat Force during the morning of 11 December 2001. 

Took part in the farewell flyover of the South Island to commemorate the closure of the RNZAF Air Combat Force during the afternoon of 11 December 2001.

Took part in the final flypast at Ohakea to commemorate the disbandment of the RNZAF Air Combat Force on 13 December 2001.

Flown from Ohakea to Woodbourne for storage on 17 December 2001.

On display Classic Flyers Museum Mount Maunganui.