Wings — Season 1, Episode 38: Vought A-7 Corsair II

Episode synopsis

The LTV A-7 Corsair II is an American carrier-capable subsonic light attack aircraft designed and manufactured by Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV). The A-7 was developed during the early 1960s as replacement for the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Its design was derived from the Vought F-8 Crusader; in comparison with the F-8, the A-7 is both smaller and restricted to subsonic speeds, its airframe being simpler and cheaper to produce. Following a competitive bid by Vought in response to the United States Navy's (USN) VAL (Heavier-than-air, Attack, Light) requirement, an initial contract for the type was issued on 8 February 1964. Development was rapid, first flying on 26 September 1965 and entering squadron service with the USN on 1 February 1967; by the end of that year, A-7s were being deployed overseas for the Vietnam War.

About Wings

Aviation history series which aired on the Discovery Channel family of networks. Originally called Great Planes.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Boeing 707
• E2Boeing 747
• E3Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
• E4Boeing B-29 Superfortress
• E5Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
• E6British Aerospace/McDonnell Douglas Harrier
• E7Consolidated B-24 Liberator
• E8Consolidated PBY Catalina
• E9Convair B-36 Peacemaker
• E10Douglas A-1 Skyraider
• E11Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
• E12Douglas A-26 Invader