This 1970 U.S. Navy unclassified training film highlights all weather instrument flight techniques for high performance jet aircraft. It is a Ralph Hall Productions. The VA-127 unit’s primary mission was to provide advanced all-weather jet instrument training for fleet replacement pilots and refresher training for light jet attack pilots. The Royal Blues nickname was used from the 1960s to 1980 and Cyclons beginning in 1981. A Navy pilot for the VFA-127 Strike Fighter Squadron (says Royal Blues on his helmet) looks at his controls. Among them are an all attitude indicator (AAI) and a bearing distance heading indicator (BDHI) (:22-1:15). A TA-4F moves across the sky. The AAI three-axis gyroscope moves smoothly as the plane does a barrel roll (1:16-2:36). A TA-4F plane prepares to take-off at night. The pilot checks that the pitch trim knob is set on the no mark. The AAI is shown during take-off as it is used as a heading reference and attitude indicator. A trajectory diagram is shown (2:37-4:40). Both the AAI and BDHI are shown up-close and in use, interspersed with the plane’s movements. A trajectory formula diagram is explained on how to know when to turn (4:41-9:07). Instructions for planning an attack and penetration approach is discussed. The pilot attaches his flip tachyon approach charts to his clipboard. Several of the diagrams are shown up-close, as are animated approach diagrams to the IAF. The holding pattern is also explained and diagramed, interspersed with the plane movements, AAI, BDHI, and Angle of Attack readings. The TA-4F turns sharply (9:08-14:30). The pilot, wearing his Royal Blues helmet and mask, studies the AAI, airspeed indicator, and altimeter for landing. Trajectory formula diagrams are shown for a missed approach holding pattern. The pilot flips through his clipboard charts (14:31-16:02). The landing gear and flaps are lowered on the TA-4F. The AAI, Angle of Attack indexer, vertical speed indicator, and BDHI are shown up-close. The TA-4F lands smoothly (16:03-16:53).
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a single seat subsonic carrier-capable attack aircraft developed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps in the early 1950s. The delta winged, single turbojet engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later by McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated A4D under the U.S. Navy’s pre-1962 designation system.
The Skyhawk is a relatively lightweight aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 24,500 pounds (11,100 kg) and has a top speed of more than 670 miles per hour (1,080 km/h). The aircraft’s five hardpoints support a variety of missiles, bombs and other munitions. It was capable of carrying a bomb load equivalent to that of a World War II–era Boeing B-17 bomber, and could deliver nuclear weapons using a low-altitude bombing system and a “loft” delivery technique. The A-4 was originally powered by the Wright J65 turbojet engine; from the A-4E onwards, the Pratt & Whitney J52 engine was used.
Skyhawks played key roles in the Vietnam War, the Yom Kippur War, and the Falklands War. Sixty years after the aircraft’s first flight in 1954, some of the 2,960 produced (through February 1979) remain in service with several air arms around the world.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
