A-7 Corsair II

The A-7 Corsair II carried the attack from carrier decks and land bases, delivering weapons against enemy targets and supporting troops on the ground.

The Inside Story

The A-7 Corsair II was developed to replace the Navy’s A-4 Skyhawk, emphasizing range, weapons load and accurate delivery. Navy versions operated from carriers, while the Air Force’s A-7D brought the design to land bases; later models combined improved navigation and attack computers with a head-up display to help pilots find and hit their targets. From Vietnam to the Navy’s final A-7 combat missions during Desert Storm in 1991, the Corsair II’s job was to put weapons where the mission required them.

Built for Attack

Ground strikes and close air support

Sea and Shore

Flew from carriers and land bases

Eyes Forward

Later models used a head-up display

Final Navy Combat

Operation Desert Storm, 1991