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=====Operational use=====
=====Operational use=====
[[File:66th Fighter Weapons Squadron A-7D 71-0295.jpg|thumb|66th Fighter Weapons Squadron A-7D 71-0295]]
⚫
[[Tactical Air Command]] (TAC) received training aircraft at [[Nellis AFB]], Nevada (WA) and [[Luke AFB]], Arizona (LA) in 1969. Operational aircraft were first received at [[Myrtle Beach AFB]], South Carolina (MB) and [[Davis-Monthan AFB]], Arizona (DM) in 1971; [[England AFB]], Louisiana (EL) in 1972.
Early production A-7D aircraft were assigned to the USAF Tactical Fighter Weapons School at [[Nellis AFB]], Nevada in September 1969 for advanced air combat evaluations. Approximately 12 aircraft were assigned to the 66th Fighter Weapons Squadron, 4525th Fighter Weapons Wing at any one time.

⚫
[[Pacific Air Forces]] (PACAF) received aircraft at [[Korat RTAFB]], Thailand (JH) via transfer from deployed Myrtle Beach units in March 1973.

⚫
[[Image:310th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron A-7D Corsir II 68-6226.jpg|thumb|A-7D-3-CV 68-6226, 310th TFTS, Luke AFB, AZ, May 1971. Aircraft was converted to GA-7D ground Trainer after operational use ended. Sent To AMARC, 1992]]
⚫
[[Image:356th Tactical Fighter Squadron A-7D Corsair II 70-0975.jpg|thumb|A-7D-9-CV 70-975, 356th TFS, Myrtle Beach AFB, SC, September 1971. Sent to AMARC, 1991]]
⚫
[[Image:40th Tactical Fighter Squadron A-7D Corsair II 70-1051.jpg|thumb|A-7D-9-CV 70-1051, 40th TFS, Davis Monthan AFB, AZ, March 1972]]
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[[Image:75th Tactical Fighter Squadron A-7D Corsair II 71-0338.jpg|thumb|A-7D-11-CV 71-0338, 75th TFS, England AFB, LA, May 1973. Sent to AMARC, 1992]]
* [[57th Fighter Weapons Wing]], [[Nellis AFB]], [[Nevada]] 1969–1981 (WA)
* [[57th Fighter Weapons Wing]], [[Nellis AFB]], [[Nevada]] 1969–1981 (WA)
: 4525th FWW, Det. 1 - Received a/c 9/1969. Transferred a/c to 66th FWS 6/1972.
: 4525th FWW, Det. 1 - Received a/c 9/1969. Transferred a/c to 66th FWS 6/1972.
: [[66th Fighter Weapons Squadron]] - Received a/c 6/72 from 4525th FWW - Transferred a/c to ANG 1981.
: [[66th Fighter Weapons Squadron]] - Received a/c 6/72 from 4525th FWW - Transferred a/c to ANG 1981.
: Aircraft used for advanced air combat evaluations.
: Aircraft used for advanced air combat evaluations.
⚫
[[Image:310th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron A-7D Corsir II 68-6226.jpg|thumb|A-7D-3-CV 68-6226, 310th TFTS, Luke AFB, AZ, May 1971. Aircraft was converted to GA-7D ground Trainer after operational use ended. Sent To AMARC, 1992]]

[[Luke AFB]], Arizona, was the second Tactical Air Command base to receive the aircraft. In 1969, the 310th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing began Fighter Lead-In training for USAF pilots to transition to the A-7D. This training was conducted until July 1971, when the training was transferred to [[Davis-Monthan AFB]], Arizona with the establishment of the 333d Tactical Fighter Training Squadron/355th TFW. Subsequently all A-7D aircraft, personnel and support equipment was reassigned.
* [[58th Special Operations Wing|58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing]] [[Luke AFB]] [[Arizona]] 1969–1971 (LA)
* [[58th Special Operations Wing|58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing]] [[Luke AFB]] [[Arizona]] 1969–1971 (LA)
: [[310th Fighter Squadron|310th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron]] - Received a/c 12/1969. Transferred a/c to 333d TFS/355th TFW 7/1971
: [[310th Fighter Squadron|310th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron]] - Received a/c 12/1969. Transferred a/c to 333d TFS/355th TFW 7/1971
⚫
[[Image:356th Tactical Fighter Squadron A-7D Corsair II 70-0975.jpg|thumb|A-7D-9-CV 70-975, 356th TFS, Myrtle Beach AFB, SC, September 1971. Sent to AMARC, 1991]]
: Aircraft used for initial Operational Training of pilots.
⚫
[[Image:40th Tactical Fighter Squadron A-7D Corsair II 70-1051.jpg|thumb|A-7D-9-CV 70-1051, 40th TFS, Davis Monthan AFB, AZ, March 1972]]
⚫
[[Image:75th Tactical Fighter Squadron A-7D Corsair II 71-0338.jpg|thumb|A-7D-11-CV 71-0338, 75th TFS, England AFB, LA, May 1973. Sent to AMARC, 1992]]

⚫
Operational aircraft were first received at [[Myrtle Beach AFB]], South Carolina (MB) and [[Davis-Monthan AFB]], Arizona (DM) in 1971; [[England AFB]], Louisiana (EL) in 1972.

⚫
[[Pacific Air Forces]] (PACAF) received aircraft at [[Korat RTAFB]], Thailand (JH) via transfer from deployed Myrtle Beach units in March 1973.


* [[354th Tactical Fighter Wing]], [[Myrtle Beach Air Force Base]], [[South Carolina]] 1970–1978 (MB)***
* [[354th Tactical Fighter Wing]], [[Myrtle Beach Air Force Base]], [[South Carolina]] 1970–1978 (MB)***

Revision as of 15:55, 15 October 2015

The following is a list of units using the LTV A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft.

Operators

 Greece

LTV TA-7C Corsair II of the Greek Air Force, taxiing for take off at the Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford, England, in 2005

The Hellenic Air Force acquired 60 A-7Hs and five TA-7Hs from LTV between 1975-1980 and then 50 A-7Es and 18 TA-7Cs from the US Navy's inventory in 1993-1994.[1] Greece still operates the Corsair II's, in the form of the A-7E's and TA-7C's variants, and uses these aircraft in the traditional tactical strike and ground attack roles for which it was designed. Greek A-7s have been upgraded with many improvements, such as greater thrust from their Allison TF-41 engines, upgraded avionics, radar, and full day/night capabilities.They are programmed to be retired on October 17th, 2014. After that date they will still fly Corsairs till the end of the month, but then it's all over for the LTV A-7 Corsair.

Hellenic Air Force (Elliniki Polimiki Aeroporia)
  • 116th Fighter Wing, Araxos Air Base operated A-7E and TA-7C aircraft with 336sqn.

 Portugal

Main article: LTV A-7 Corsair II in Portuguese service

Portugal A-7's (designated A-7P, TA-7P) were 20 converted ex-USN A-7A airframes powered by the TF30-P408 engine and were equipped with A-7D and A-7E avionics. These aircraft were purchase through the V-519 contract of May 5, 1980, and initially 28 A-7A airframes were to be converted to the A-7P standard, but only the best 20 airframes were approved for the conversion. Deliveries of this contract to Portugal began on December 24, 1981, date of the arrival of the first nine aircraft, and were completed by September 29, 1982.[2]

A Portuguese A-7P, in 1984.

In May, 1983, Portugal renegotiated the contract and put an order for an additional 24 A-7P and six A-7A converted to biplaces as TA-7P standard. Delivery of the aircraft of this second order took place between October 8, 1984 and April 30, 1986. However, one A-7P (PoAF s/n 15540) of the 24 ordered was lost in an accident in the United States prior to its delivery.

As part of the second order, the United States Navy leased one TA-7C (s/n 154404; c/n B-044) to Portugal between April 1982 and June 1985 for operational conversion of fighter pilots. This aircraft, a A-7B-1-CV Corsair II converted to TA-7C tandem-seat trainer, was nicknamed "Pomba Branca" (white dove) due to the original USN white painting that was kept. It was later returned to the United States Navy.

On June 10, 1999, the last operational Corsair II conducted the last flight of the aircraft fleet in service with the PoAF, with 64,000 logged flight hours.

Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa)[3]

 Thailand

Thailand purchased 14 A-7E's and 4 TA-7C's for coastal defense and sea patrol duties. Aircraft were delivered during the summer of 1995 and were in service with the 104th "White Shark" squadron, 1st Wing at U-Tapao International Airport. These aircraft are currently not operational as of July 20, 2007. However, the Royal Thai Navy continues to maintain the operability of the aircraft with the necessary maintenance and by starting them up and taxiing them on the airport's tarmac.

Royal Thai Navy Air Arm (Ratchanavee Thai or Kong Tup Rua Thai)

 United States

The A-7 Corsair II made its initial military service and combat debut with the United States Navy in 1967 and, over time, became its most prolific user. It was gradually phased out in the 1980s with the introduction of its replacement, the F/A-18 Hornet. Eventually the US Navy retired their last Corsair II's in May 1991. Customized variants of the A-7 went on to serve in units of the United States Air Force and Air National Guard.

United States Navy

Currently active-duty squadrons or units that were former A-7 operators

A VA-27 A-7E dropping bombs over Vietnam, 1970.

Current Naval Reserve squadrons or units that were former A-7 operators

Disbanded or merged squadrons or units, that had operationally used the A-7 Corsair II

A-7Bs of VA-215 in 1971.
  • VA-12 "Flying Ubangis"
  • VA-46 "Clansmen"
  • VA-55 "Warhorses"
  • VA-56 "Champions"
  • VA-66 "The Waldo's"
  • VA-67 "?" (Disbanded/Redesignated/Merged with VA-15)
  • VA-72 "Blue Hawks"
  • VA-82 "Marauders" (later became VFA-82. Disbanded September 30, 2005)
  • VA-93 "Blue Blazers"
  • VA-152 "Fighting Aces"
  • VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies"
  • VA-155 "Silver Foxes"
  • VA-174 "The Hellrazors"
  • VA-203 "Blue Dolphins" (later became VFA-203. Disbanded)
  • VA-205 "Green Falcons"
  • VA-215 "Barn Owls"
  • VA-303 "Golden Hawks" (later became VFA-303. Disbanded December 31, 1994)
  • VA-304 "Firebirds"
  • VA-305 "Hackers", later "Lobos" (Later became VFA-305. Disbanded December 31, 1994)

Other Squadrons or Units

United States Air Force

Support Commands
A-7D-3-CV 69-6195 assigned to the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards.
A-7D 68-8224 of the 3246th Test Wing, Eglin AFB, FL prior to a weapons test flight
71-0344 after conversion to YA-7F Strike Fighter prototype

The first YA-7D and some early production A-7D aircraft were received from LTV by Air Force Systems Command at Edwards AFB, California (Tail code: ED) and Eglin AFB, Florida (EG) in early 1968. Edwards aircraft were used for the initial Flight Testing (FT) of the new aircraft, and were later retained for ongoing flight testing of aircraft modifications over its years in operational service. An A-7D was also used at the USAF Test Pilot School. In 1977, the prototype A-7K two-seat trainer was tested at Edwards, and in 1988, the YA-7F Strike fighter was also tested there. Edlin Aircraft were used for Operational Testing (OT) and weapons tests of ordnance.

Tinker AFB, Oklahoma (FLZ) was designated the prime depot support facility for the A-7D. All newly manufactured aircraft were delivered there from LTV for acceptance inspection by Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) prior to delivery to operational units. Tinker also provided ongoing depot-level maintenance and IRAN inspections of operational aircraft until it's retirement in 1992.

YA-7D-1-CV s/n 67-14582 (1968-1992) First Y-A7D flight 4/6/1968
YA-7D-1-CV s/n 67-14583 (1968-1992) First USAF Fly-By-Wire (DIGITAC) aircraft
A-7D-2-CV s/n 68-8221 (1968-1972) (crashed)
A-7D-2-CV s/n 68-8222 (1968-1992)
A-7D-2-CV s/n 68-8223 (1968-1978)
A-7D-3-CV s/n 69-6191 (1978-1991)
A-7D-3-CV s/n 69-6194 (1969-1990)
A-7D-5-CV s/n 69-6217 (1983-1992)
A-7D-15-CV s/n 73-1008 (1979-1982) Converted to A-7K Prototype
A-7D-11-CV s/n 71-0344 (1989-1990) Converted to YA-7F first prototype
A-7D-9-CV s/n 70-1039 (1989-1990) Converted to YA-7F second prototype
YA-7D-1-CV s/n 67-14585 (1968-1973) (Eglin) Crashed
YA-7D-1-CV s/n 67-14586 (1968-1975) (Eglin)
A-7D-2-CV s/n 68-8224 (1968-1976) (Edwards/Eglin)
Operational use
66th Fighter Weapons Squadron A-7D 71-0295

Early production A-7D aircraft were assigned to the USAF Tactical Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nevada in September 1969 for advanced air combat evaluations. Approximately 12 aircraft were assigned to the 66th Fighter Weapons Squadron, 4525th Fighter Weapons Wing at any one time.

4525th FWW, Det. 1 - Received a/c 9/1969. Transferred a/c to 66th FWS 6/1972.
66th Fighter Weapons Squadron - Received a/c 6/72 from 4525th FWW - Transferred a/c to ANG 1981.
Aircraft used for advanced air combat evaluations.
A-7D-3-CV 68-6226, 310th TFTS, Luke AFB, AZ, May 1971. Aircraft was converted to GA-7D ground Trainer after operational use ended. Sent To AMARC, 1992

Luke AFB, Arizona, was the second Tactical Air Command base to receive the aircraft. In 1969, the 310th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing began Fighter Lead-In training for USAF pilots to transition to the A-7D. This training was conducted until July 1971, when the training was transferred to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona with the establishment of the 333d Tactical Fighter Training Squadron/355th TFW. Subsequently all A-7D aircraft, personnel and support equipment was reassigned.

310th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron - Received a/c 12/1969. Transferred a/c to 333d TFS/355th TFW 7/1971
A-7D-9-CV 70-975, 356th TFS, Myrtle Beach AFB, SC, September 1971. Sent to AMARC, 1991
A-7D-9-CV 70-1051, 40th TFS, Davis Monthan AFB, AZ, March 1972
A-7D-11-CV 71-0338, 75th TFS, England AFB, LA, May 1973. Sent to AMARC, 1992

Operational aircraft were first received at Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina (MB) and Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona (DM) in 1971; England AFB, Louisiana (EL) in 1972.

Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) received aircraft at Korat RTAFB, Thailand (JH) via transfer from deployed Myrtle Beach units in March 1973.

353d Tactical Fighter Squadron (MR/MB) - Received a/c 7/1971 from inactivated 511th TFS. Additional a/c received during 1973/1974 after deployed assets transferred to 3d TFS/388th TFW. Transferred a/c to ANG 1976
355th Tactical Fighter Squadron (MB) - Received a/c 12/1970. Transferred a/c to ANG 1977
356th Tactical Fighter Squadron (MN/MB) - Received a/c 5/1971. Transferred a/c to ANG 1977.
511th Tactical Fighter Squadron (MR) - Received a/c 6/1970. Transferred a/c to 353d TFS 7/1971 and inactivated.
4554th Tactical Fighter Replacement Squadron (MB) - Received a/c 5/1972. Transferred a/c to ANG 1974/75.
333d Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (DM) - Transferred from 310 TFTS/58th TFTW 7/1971. - Transferred a/c to ANG 1976.
354th Tactical Fighter Squadron (DA/DM) - Received a/c 7/1971. Transferred a/c to ANG 1979.
357th Tactical Fighter Squadron (DC/DM) - Received a/c 5/1971. Transferred a/c to ANG 1976.
358th Tactical Fighter Squadron (DD/DM) - Received a/c 10/1971. Transferred a/c to ANG 1978.
74th Tactical Fighter Squadron - Received a/c 7/1972. Transferred a/c to ANG 1981.
75th Tactical Fighter Squadron - Received a/c 7/1972. Transferred a/c to ANG 1981.
76th Tactical Fighter Squadron - Received a/c 10/1972. Transferred a/c to ANG 1981.
3d Tactical Fighter Squadron - Received a/c 3/1973 from deployed 353d TFS/354th TFW. Transferred a/c to ANG 1975.
4451st Tactical Squadron (Formerly 4450TG (P) Unit) - Received eight A-7Ds from retiring 23d TFW a/c 6/1981, and two A-7K a/c (73-1008, 79-0469) in late 1981. Transferred a/c to ANG 1989.

Note:** Although officially assigned to Nellis, the 4450th TG used A-7D/K aircraft at Tonopah Test Range Airport, Nevada for training and to provide a cover story for F-117 Nighthawk development. The 4451st Tactical Squadron was only active-duty and first USAF or ANG squadron to receive the A-7K.

Note:*** Prior to June 1972, Squadron Tail Codes were used on Myrtle Beach and Davis-Monthan aircraft. These were standardized to MB for 354th TFW and DM for 355th TFW IAW AFM 66-1 in June 1972.

United States Air National Guard

Air National Guard units flew a combination of A-7D and twin-seat A-7K aircraft. Transfers of A-7D aircraft from active duty units began in 1974, ending in 1981. Deliveries of new A-7K aircraft directly to ANG units began in 1980, ending in 1983.

In the early 1990s, the A-7 was phased out of the ANG inventory, with the aircraft being sent to AMARC. In 1993 the last units to retire the A-7 were the ANG units at Rickenbacker ANGB (Ohio) in January, Des Moines (Iowa) in September, with the last unit being the 125th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Tulsa (Oklahoma) in October 1993.

A-7D-3-CV 68-6228 175th TFS, South Dakota ANG, May 1986. Aircraft was converted to GA-7D ground Trainer after operational use ended.
A-7D-8-CV 70-979 157th TFS, South Carolina ANG, May 1983. Sent to AMARC 1993
A-7D-15-CV 73-1014 125th TFS, Oklahoma ANG, January 1983
A-7D-15-CV 73-1008 modified to YA-7K configuration. Shown with 152d TFS, Arizona Air National Guard, 1989. Formerly of the 4450th Tactical Group, Nellis/Tonapah Nevada during the 1980s. This aircraft was sent to AMARC on August 3, 1992.
146th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station, Pittsburgh
Received A-7D in 1980 and A-7K in 1983.
Re-designated as 146th Air Refueling Squadron with KC-135s on October 16, 1991.
175th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Joe Foss Field Air National Guard Station, Sioux Falls
Received A-7D in 1977 and A-7K in 1982.
Converted to Block 30 F-16C/Ds on March 16, 1992.
162d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Springfield
Received A-7D in 1978 and A-7K in 1982.
Converted to Block 30 F-16C/Ds in May 1993.
112th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Toledo Air National Guard Base, Toledo
Received A-7D in 1979 and A-7K in 1980.
Converted to Block 25 F-16C/Ds in April 1992.
166th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus
Received A-7D in 1974 and A-7K in 1983.
Re-designated as 166th Air Refueling Squadron and equipped with KC-135Rs on January 16, 1993.
107th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Detroit
Received A-7D in 1978 and A-7K in 1983.
Converted to Block 10 F-16A/B on April 1, 1990.
124th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Des Moines Air National Guard Base, Des Moines
Received A-7D in 1977 and A-7K in 1981.
Converted to Block 42 F-16C/Ds in September 1993.
174th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Sioux City Air National Guard Base, Sioux City
Received A-7D in 1976 and A-7K in 1983.
Converted to F-16C/Ds on March 16, 1992
125th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Tulsa
Received A-7D in 1981 and A-7K in 1983.
Converted to Block 42 F-16C/Ds in October 1993.
120th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora
Received A-7D in 1974 and A-7K in 1983.
Converted to Block 30 F-16C/Ds on March 15, 1992
188th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque
Received A-7D in 1974
Converted to Block 40 F-16C/Ds on 11 May 1992
198th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Muniz Air National Guard Base, San Juan
Received A-7D in 1976 and A-7K in 1983.
Converted to Block 15 ADF (Air Defense) F-16A/Bs on March 16, 1992.
152d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Tucson Air National Guard Base, Tucson
Received A-7D in 1978, A-7K in 1983.
Converted to Block 10/15 F-16A/Bs on May 29, 1986, upgraded to Block 42 F-16C/D in 1995.
195th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Tucson Air National Guard Base, Tucson
Received A-7D and A-7K in 1983.
Converted to Block 15 F-16A/Bs on March 16, 1992.
157th Tactical Fighter Squadron, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Columbia
Received A-7D in 1975 and A-7K in 1982.
Converted to F-16A/Bs in 1983.
149th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Richmond International Airport, Richmond
Received A-7D in 1981 and A-7K in 1982.
Converted to Block 30 F-16C/Ds on March 15, 1992.

Notes

  1. ^ Theodore L Valmas, A-7 Corsair II finally retires from service Athens - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly (October 20th, 2014)
  2. ^ "Vought A-7P Corsair II" (in Portuguese). WalkArounds. Retrieved July 13, 2013. (left side menu: Monografias, A-7P Corsair II)
  3. ^ "Base Aérea nº 5 - Monte Real - Força Aérea Portuguesa - Missão e Organização" (in Portuguese). Portuguese Air Force. Archived from the original on January 26, 2009. Retrieved July 13, 2013.

References

  • Hill & Campbell (2001), Tactical Air Command: An Illustrated History, 1946–1992, Schiffer, ISBN 0-7643-1288-X
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