During the Vietnam War Navy A4E & F's carried a larger centerline tank with TERs on Stations 2 & 4. The tank was larger than the normal wing tanks carried in peacetime. Does anyone remember the size of this larger centerline tank?
According to "Douglas A-4 Skyhawk" by Peter Kilduff, both the wing and centreline tanks were of 300 gallon capacity. The centreline tank was a different shape making it appear larger.
Incidentally, the wing tanks *were* used on operations. The problem with their use came with the earlier A-4C variants, which only had one hardpoint on each wing. Therefore, A-4Cs usually used a centreline tank, leaving two wing hardpoints free for weapons.
A-4E and Fs had *two* wing hardpoints. That would allow them to carry wing tanks inboard with weapons outboard and on the centreline.
The larger tank is a 400 gallon tank. This tank can only be carried on the centerline. The 300 gallon tanks can be carried on the inboard pylons or the centerline.
Both tanks were carried in combat. The specific load would be determined by the mission requirements.
John Alger USN(ret)
1972-1997 // 1310,1320 TA-4J, A-7E, EC-130Q, P-3B
Given John's credentials
I think I'll believe him, rather than the book! Just goes to show, you should always cross-reference your sources!
John, many thanks for you quick reply. I suspect the 400 gal had 30 inch suspension which would limit it to the AERO-7 on the centerline station. Now my search can zero in on the 400 gal tank. Anybody know of an after market 1/32 or 1/48 400 gal tank? Dick...
The AERO-7 is the centerline rack. All 4 wing pylons are AERO 20A-1 racks (though the outboard and inboard fairings are slightly different). Not certain, but pretty sure the 400 gal tank had 14" suspension. Not many stores had 30" suspensions. I know I have it in my references somewhere, but can't find it right now.
You can (could) get the D-704 "Buddy Store" (tanker pod) in both scales, resin, which is based on the 400gal tank. With a bit of modifying you can make one.
Not sure if any ever came in a kit - though the old 1/48 (1/50 actually) Fujimi TA-4F kit had one I think. About the only thing useable in that kit!
John Alger USN(ret)
1972-1997 // 1310,1320 TA-4J, A-7E, EC-130Q, P-3BThe weight that determines 14 or 30 " suspension is slightly above 1000 lbs.
83's have 14" while 84's and Charlie Bullpups had 14". What is the factored weight of a full 400 lb tank? The Buddy Store has 30" suspension I remember. At least we only used it on AERO-7's on the A4 & A6.
Given that gasoline is about 7 pounds per gallon, and JP-4 is probably
7.5 pounds/gall>The weight that determines 14 or 30 " suspension is slightly above 1000 lbs.Yes, it does. That puts the 400 gal tank in the 30" suspension weight class. Maybe, just maybe Trumpeter will include one in their new forthcomming 1/32 A4 kit. And a boarding ladder would be nice... Thanks for your help. Dick...
Just a point of clarification: According to my sources JP-4 fuel weighs
6.35 lb./gal.(US). So a 400 gallon tank would carry 2540 pounds of JP-4 fuel. Don't forget to add the weight of the empty tank to calculate load on the hard point.HTH
Kaliste Saloom (#30703) IPMS/Acadiana Plastic Modelers Lafayette, LA USA
According to my NATOPS Manual, the 400 gallon tank is listed as 2960 pounds full/240 empty. Those are total weight figures for JP5 fuel. JP4 total weight is 2840.
John Alger USN(ret)
1972-1997 // 1310,1320 TA-4J, A-7E, EC-130Q, P-3BThanks guys. I appreciate the effort that went into answering my question. I guess I can safely configure the centerline 400 gal tank with 30" suspension.
Dick AOCM USN (ret)
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