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VA-105: The 1970's |
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The "105th Light Attack & Twilight Pursuit Squadron" entered the 1970s flying the A-7A version of the Corsair II, then transitioning to the A-7E in 1973, after completing a WestPac cruise. By May of that year, the transition was complete.
The A-7D was the USAF's version of the "Echo," minus the beefed up landing gear and the launch bar / tailhook package that is unique to carrier aviation. The most visible characteristic of the "Echo" is the lower placement of the cannon.
As a former plane captain, I can tell you that those metal cannon blast shields were a bear to clean. It took alot of Turco and a fair share of elbow grease...
Thanks goes out to pilot Bruce Johnson, AE Mike McGonegal, and YN Tony C. for their contributions of historical facts & great photos.
Click the darts below
for photos of this period in Gunslinger history. |
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Jim Lloyd next to A-7A in 1971. |
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A-7A taxis to bowcat while Vigilante launches from USS SARATOGA in 1972. |
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Eleven Gunslingers become "Double Centurions" on USS SARATOGA. |
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Bruce Johnson in his A-7A on SARATOGA. |
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Gunslingers 10-month WestPac cruise dates on USS SARATOGA. |
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Admin/Pers Office in 1974 USS SARATOGA. Tony C is the YN3. |
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402 survived sustained damage in the wingfold area - 1972. |
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Ouch! This bird got tore up! - 1972 |
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410 taking the wire onboard SARA. - 1972 |
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407 launches off the waist cat. Man, I love those "Hi-Vis" paint schemes! - 1972 |
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Hung ordnance, ready to fly. Rockeyes, right? Somebody email me about this - 1972 |
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A-7E 403 on the ramp at CECIL FIELD in 1976. |
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