| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 158104 |
| Military Code: | A-704 |
| Other Marks: | 04 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Douglas A4D Skyhawk |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk |
| Aircraft Version: | McDonnell Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk |
| C/n (msn): | 14190 |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Navy |
| Unit Markings: | VT-7 / CTW-1 |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Area: | Gulf of Mexico / Off-Pensacola [ Off-Airport ]Map (vicinity) |
| Region / Country: | Florida, United States |
| Ship / Rig: | USS Lexington AVT16 |
| Photo Date: | 10 May 1979 |
| Photo by: | Bob Thomas |
| Photo ID: | 453450 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
The A-4 did not have nose gear steering, the pilot using differential braking to make turns. That was fine for taxiing around airfields, but in the confined areas aboard ship it was an issue. As a result, a steering bar or tiller was used by a flight deck crewman to precisely maneuver the a/c. This was especially important for lining the jet up on the catapult. Here we see the crewman and a/c headed to the starboard catapult aboard USS Lexington. This photo is copyright © Bob Thomas, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 13 April 2022, and has since been viewed 326 times. |