EA-6B PROWLER "DARTH 'VADER"

The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American onboard jet attack aircraft of the Cold War and modern times. The plane's flight took place in 1960, and the machine entered service in 1963. In total, approximately 690 aircraft of this type were built. In the A-6 E version, the drive was provided by two Pratt and Whitney J-52-P8B engines, each with a thrust of 41 kN. The machine did not have a permanent on-board armament. However, it could carry a load of bombs and rockets with a total weight of up to 8,200 kg. The Grumman A-6 Intruder was developed as the successor to the A-1 Skyraider piston engine aircraft. The US Navy described the new machine as capable of operating in all weather conditions as well as being powered by a jet engine. It is also worth adding that the plane was designed primarily for low and medium altitude flights and for flights at subsonic speeds. Finally, a successful machine was created, which performed well, among others, during the Vietnam War (1964 / 1965-1975) and the First Gulf War (1990-1991). Several versions of this aircraft have been developed, including: A-6A (the first mass-produced version), A-6C (version adapted to operation at night) or A-6E (the last version of the aircraft dedicated to assault tasks, with a definitely modernized avionics ). It is worth adding that the EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare plane was also developed on the basis of the A-6. A-6 aircraft were not exported.