The USMC went into with the EF-10B Skyknight for Electronic Warfare (EW) use and when the A-6 Intruder inter service they quickly (as quickly as such a conversion can be made) adapted the airframe to the EW purpose creating the EA-6A. The US Nave looked at the successful record of the EA-6A and adapted the airframe again but this time a full redesign was accomplished. New composite wings, fuselage lengthened by 40 inches to adapt a four seat cockpit and new more powerful engines just to name a few major changes to the design. Thus to say this is an A-6 is incorrect. The EA-6B is a new aircraft that resembles the A-6.
First deployed to the fleet in 1972, the Prowler made it combat debut in Vietnam (VAQ-131 Lancers) aboard the USS Enterprise (CVAN 65), not the starship (NCC-1701) in time for Operation Linebacker (I).
Since this first employment the Prowler has undergone four major upgrades which were accomplished on the build line and were not necessarily backdated. The first coming out with 25 aircraft in 1973 was EXCAP (Extended Capability) followed with ICAP I through ICAP III over the years.
What a beauty Don, I've always had a thing for the machine but never got round to getting one. I'll be watching with interest especially with all that extra gear added on.
Looking at the cockpit and I'm pretty sure the Quinta is what I'm going to use..... Hacking a slashing and filing and grinding resin SUCKS.... Though I might use the seats.
Thanks guy's and yes Vic the seats are a small kit in themselves.
Bad news, I dropped on,
Good news I have spares
Paint goes on...
Battels of the grey's, finding the correct matching.