The A-4’s suitability as an adversary stemmed from several key attributes:

Agility: Its small size (maximum takeoff weight of 24,500 pounds) and delta-wing design gave it a tight turning radius, mimicking the maneuverability of Soviet MiGs. This made it a challenging opponent in basic fighter maneuvering (BFM) and taught U.S. pilots to leverage their own aircraft’s strengths (e.g., speed and vertical performance) rather than engage in turning fights.

Cost-Effectiveness: The Skyhawk was inexpensive to operate and maintain compared to frontline fighters, allowing the Navy to sustain a robust adversary fleet without straining budgets.

Availability: As the A-4 was phased out of frontline attack roles by the late 1960s and 1970s (replaced by the A-7 Corsair II), surplus airframes became available for adversary use, including two-seat TA-4J trainers and single-seat A-4E/F models.

Simplicity: Its lightweight design and lack of complex systems (e.g., no afterburner) made it reliable and easy to adapt for training, though it limited its top speed to around 670 mph (Mach 0.9) Order

Markings presented in this decal:

1. A-4E, 149971/633, NFWS-3, NAS Miramar, July 1972.
2. A-4E, 154190/NJ101, VA-127, NAS Lemoor, January 1983.
3. A-4E, 149656/54, NFWS, NAS Miramar, August 1989.
4. A-4M, 160039/NJ633, VF-126, NAS Miramar, August 1993.