A-6 Intruder
| Grumman A-6 Intruder | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Naval Attack | |
| Crew | two, pilot & Bombardier/Navigator (B/N) | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 54 ft 7 in | 16.6 m |
| Wingspan | 53 ft | 16.2 m |
| Height | 15 ft 7 in | 4.75 m |
| Wing area | 529 ft² | 49.1 m² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 25,630 lb | 11,626 kg |
| Loaded | ||
| Maximum take-off | 60,626 lb | 27,496 kg |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 2x Pratt & Whitney J52-P8B | |
| Power | 9,300 lb each | 41 kN each |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 563 knots | 1,043 km/h |
| Combat range | 1,077 mi | 1,734 km |
| Ferry range | 3,245 mi | 5,222 km |
| Service ceiling | 40,600 ft | 12,400 m |
| Rate of climb | 7,620 ft/min | 2,323 m/min |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | None | |
| Bombs | 15,000 lb | 6,800 kg |
The Grumman A-6 Intruder is a US attack aircraft. It was in service between 1960 and 1997.
A-6s were mainly used on aircraft carriers, as the U.S. Navy's main carrier attack aircraft for much of the last half of the 20th century. It could carry up to 15,000 pounds (6,800 kg) of munitions, among other achievements. The EA-6 Prowler is still used today as an important utility aircraft.
482 A6-A aircraft were delivered to the USN in the early 1960s. The A-6B and A-6C were aircraft designed to meet wartime needs during the Vietnam War. The aircraft also had a tanker variant, the KA6-D. The last version of the A-6 to see service was the A-6E. It was introduced during the late 1960s. Some A-6As were converted, and there were also new build A-6Es. It remained in service until the type was withdrawn in 1997. Some aircraft were used to form artificial reefs, but the majority are stored at AMARC against possible future need.
In addition to the USN, the United States Marine Corps also operated A-6s from shore bases.
| Table of contents |
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2 Units Using the A-6 |
A-6 Intruders first saw action duing the Vietnam War, where the craft were used extensively against targets in Vietnam. The aircraft's long range and heavy payload coupled with its ability to fly in all weather made it invaluable during the war. However, its effectiveness in flying low and delivering its payload made it especially vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire and in the eight years the Intruder was used, the U.S. Navy and Marines lost 68 of the aircraft in combat.
Intruders saw action in strikes against the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon in 1983. One Intruder and one A-7 Corsair were lost during the Lebanese action. In 1986, Intruders from the Coral Sea attacked and sank a Libyan corvette and other targets in northern Libya in retaliation for Libyan involvement in the 1986 Berlin discotheque bombing. In 1988, Intruders from the USS Enterprise attacked Iranian patrol boats, sinking one, and also attacked the frigates Sahand (which sunk) and Sabalan.
During Operation Desert Storm, 90 U.S. Navy Intruders and 20 U.S. Marine Intruders attacked Iraqi targets, flying almost 5,000 sorties. Five Intruders were lost, four in combat. Following the war, Intruders also helped to monitor the Iraqi No-Fly Zone.
Combat Experience
Units Using the A-6
USN Squadrons
USMC Squadrons
| Related content | |
|---|---|
| Related Development | EA-6 Prowler |
| Similar Aircraft | |
| Designation Series | A-3 - A-4 - A-5 - A-6 - A-7 - AV-8 - YA-9 |
| Related Lists | List of military aircraft of the United States |
| List of aircraft - List of aircraft manufacturers>Aircraft manufacturers - Aircraft engines - Aircraft engine manufacturers - Years in Aviation |