The last time there was a Joint Strike Fighter, the A-7 Corsair II was what was chosen. Though not really called a JSF, it is what it turned out to be. Heavily used by both the USAF and USN, the A-7 Corsair II was the last in a long line of Vought Corsairs that started in the 1930s. Though it looks a great deal like the sleeker F-8 Crusader, I doubt if any parts are interchangeable between the two. It first entered fleet service as the A-7A in the late 1960s, replacing the A-4 Skyhawk as a light attack aircraft.

It proved able to carry a wide range of munitions as well being able to carry a lot of them. Having a high wing made it much easer to load. All of the important electrical and hydraulic systems were in the upper part of the aircraft, making them more difficult to be damaged by ground fire. In the early 1970s, the USAF A-7D was brought into the Vietnam war and used to replace the A-1 in ground attack and as a Sandy for downed pilot rescue. It was here that the faster aircraft was shown to not be as useful as the slower A-1. It was also unable to stay on station as long as the A-1, however, the USAF wanted to get rid of its prop and avgas planes so the A-7 was here to stay. With the A-10 on the way, USAF A-7s were quickly given to the ANG in the mid 1970s

Both ANG and USN types had a long career, final units retiring the type right after the Gulf War. The ANG ones were replaced by F-16s for the most part while the Navy A-7s were replaced by the Hornet.

This particular sheet has all low viz A-7s. Some of them more low viz than others. By that, I mean that not all have the tactical paint scheme. There are enough common markings to enable you to do two of the aircraft on the sheet.

First one is in full TPS paint scheme and from VA-27 aboard the USS Coral Sea. This one has large markings, unlike what it would have a few years later when these things were downsized.

Next is a VA-66 bird from the USS Eisenhower. It is in full compliance to the TPS requirements with smaller markings.

Finally a VA-25 aircraft. This one is in gloss gull grey and white with small low-viz markings. The intake and rescue markings are still in full color.

A nice sheet from the early years of the TPS and low viz schemes.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet.

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