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This potent aircraft was the stalwart of USN and USMC all
weather attack squadrons from the early 1960's until they
were withdrawn from service in 1996. The initial variant was
the A-6A which was equipped with the Digital Integrated Attack
Navigation Equipment (DIANE). This system proved to work very
well, when it worked. Reliability problems saw aircraft availability
as low as 35% during the Vietnam War. The A-6B introduced
the capability to heft the AGM-78 Standard ARM. The A-6C variant
introduced a FLIR and Low Light TV system. The next variant
was the KA-6D tanker variant equipped with a hose and reel
unit in the rear fuselage. The KA-6D could still operate in
the day bomber role. The last major variant was the A-6E.
This marque introduces a new avionics fit and first flew in
1970. In 1976 the Target Recognition Attack Multisensor (TRAM).
This comprised an Imaging InfraRed sensor, a laser range finder/designator
and a laser spot tracker in a small turret under the nose.
Throughout their years of service the A-6 has seen a large
amount of active service. The last hurrah for the Intruder
came during the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. With the cancellation
of the A-12 program the A-6s have been replaced but the McDonnell
F/A-18 Hornet
DB2000 Entries:
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