A-6 Intruder: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Grumman A-6 Intruder
A-6 Intruder
Description
Role	Naval Attack
Crew	two, pilot & Bombardier/Navigator (B/N)
Dimensions
Length	54 ft 7 in	16.6 m
Wingspan	53 ft	16.2 m
Height	15 ft 7 in	4.75 m
Wing area	529 ft²	49.1 m²
Weights
Empty	25,630 lb	11,626 kg
Loaded
Maximum take-off	60,626 lb	27,496 kg
Powerplant
Engines	2x Pratt & Whitney J52-P8B
Power	9,300 lb each	41 kN each
Performance
Maximum speed	563 knots	1,043 km/h
Combat range	1,077 mi	1,734 km
Ferry range	3,245 mi	5,222 km
Service ceiling	40,600 ft	12,400 m
Rate of climb	7,620 ft/min	2,323 m/min
Armament
Guns	None
Bombs	15,000 lb	6,800 kg

The Grumman A-6 Intruder is a US attack aircraft. It was in service between 1960 and 1997.

A-6s were mainly used on aircraft carriers, as the U.S. Navy's main carrier attack aircraft for much of the last half of the 20th century. It could carry up to 15,000 pounds (6,800 kg) of munitions, among other achievements. The EA-6B Prowler is still used today as the US Navy's primary electronic warfare platform.

482 A6-A aircraft were delivered to the USN in the early 1960s. The A-6B and A-6C were aircraft designed to meet wartime needs during the Vietnam War. The aircraft also had a tanker variant, the KA6-D. The last version of the A-6 to see service was the A-6E. It was introduced during the late 1960s. Some A-6As were converted, and there were also new build A-6Es. It remained in service until the type was withdrawn in 1997. Some aircraft were used to form artificial reefs, but the majority are stored at AMARC against possible future need.

In addition to the USN, the United States Marine Corps also operated A-6s from shore bases.

Combat Experience

A-6 Intruders first saw action duing the Vietnam War, where the craft were used extensively against targets in Vietnam. The aircraft's long range and heavy payload coupled with its ability to fly in all weather made it invaluable during the war. However, its effectiveness in flying low and delivering its payload made it especially vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire and in the eight years the Intruder was used, the U.S. Navy and Marines lost 68 of the aircraft in combat.

Intruders saw action in strikes against the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon in 1983. One Intruder and one A-7 Corsair were lost during the Lebanese action. In 1986, Intruders from the Coral Sea attacked and sank a Libyan corvette and other targets in northern Libya in retaliation for Libyan involvement in the 1986 Berlin discotheque bombing. In 1988, Intruders from the USS Enterprise attacked Iranian patrol boats, sinking one, and also attacked the frigates Sahand (which sunk) and Sabalan.

During Operation Desert Storm, 90 U.S. Navy Intruders and 20 U.S. Marine Intruders attacked Iraqi targets, flying almost 5,000 sorties. Five Intruders were lost, four in combat. Following the war, Intruders also helped to monitor the Iraqi No-Fly Zone.

USN Squadrons

• VA-34
• VA-35
• VA-36
• VA-42
• VA-52
• VA-55
• VA-65
• VA-75
• VA-85
• VA-95
• VA-115
• VA-128
• VA-145
• VA-155
• VA-165
• VA-176
• VA-185
• VA-196
• VA-205
• VA-304
• VAH-123

USMC Squadrons

• VMA(AW)-121
• VMA(AW)-224
• VMA(AW)-225
• VMA(AW)-242
• VMA(AW)-332
• VMA(AW)-533