Skyhawk A4-B with fuel tanks

This is an ErikGen design. We are an approved printer for EriKGen designs. His exquisite STLs can be purchased and self printed here: EriKGen Designs
 
 
Please note: 1-200 & 1-144 scale prints will receive 3 fuel probes. We do not ship probes for 1-300 or 1-285 scale prints. The are just too small, thin, and break easily. I use a bristle from a brush for my models as they are much more flexible. for 1-200 scale I use a "cut to length" piece of jewelry brass/copper wire from the craft store. 
 
 
Argentina operated approximately 66 refurbished ex-US Navy A-4B Skyhawks (designated A-4P) from 1966 to 1999, along with 16 A-4Q variants for the Navy. These rugged, low-level attack aircraft were the backbone of the Argentine Air Force during the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas War, where they severely damaged or sank several Royal Navy vessels despite lacking modern countermeasures. 
 
Key Historical Aspects of Argentinian A-4B Skyhawks:
Acquisition and Designation: In 1965, Argentina purchased 50 surplus A-4B Skyhawks from the US, which were refurbished and designated A-4P ("Papa") by Douglas for the Fuerza Aérea Argentina (FAA). An additional 16 A-4Q variants were acquired by the Argentine Navy, operating from the carrier ARA Veinticinco de Mayo.
Falklands/Malvinas War (1982): The Skyhawks saw intense combat, operating from land bases.
Combat Successes: They were responsible for sinking or damaging several British ships, including the HMS Coventry, HMS Antelope, HMS Ardent, and RFA Sir Galahad.
Losses: The campaign was costly, with 19 A-4Ps lost during the conflict.
Operational Life: Due to aging airframes and lack of spare parts, the operational condition of the fleet was often poor. They were finally retired on March 15, 1999, replaced by the modernized A-4AR Fightinghawk.
Role and Performance: Known for their small size and speed, they were used for low-level precision bombing, often flying below enemy radar. 
 
The A-4B remains a significant, albeit briefly used, combat aircraft in Argentine military history, celebrated for the bravery of its pilots in the 1982 war.