Draken birds at Sun N Fun...but is the A-4 ours?

[ZacYates]

Hey guys and gals,
During my morning WIX fix I checked in on Bill Schuerman's Sun N Fun 2015 thread which showcases some of the simply stunning machinery on display there this week. Then this caught my eye:



Draken is there again! I'm pretty sure the MB.339CB at left is an ex-RNZAF machine but I had to modify my original comment about the A-4 it's parked next to, which is in brilliant condition. It's in the same colour their A-4Ks are, but has a hump and what looks like an extended/modified jetpipe...so it's not a K?

Perhaps Don or one of the Draken guys can chip in? I immediately thought it was one of our old ones, but then I took a second look. I think it's cool that it's painted to match the Ks, at any rate.

[nzjet]

A4N, one of there new ones ex BAE

[mumbles]

The aerial fit is different to ours but another tell that it's an M/N or other "Skyhawk II" version is the enlarged canopy.

[Naki]

Apr 24, 2015 8:21:17 GMT 12 nzjet said:

A4N, one of there new ones ex BAE

With the extended tail pipe wouldn't it be ex Israeli?

[ZacYates]

Thanks guys, Bill suggested I try the Draken website for info. Not a silly idea!

He also posted a Macchi shot after I queried it:

[delticman]

Zac and others, go into FAA site and look under types, "Douglas A4" and you'll find plenty to amuse you.

[ZacYates]

Another WIXer has helpfully pointed out it is an ex-Israeli A-4N repainted to match the Ks. Nice one Draken.

And thanks delticman, I'll do just that!!

[skyhawkfan1]

Call me old fashioned, but I love the hump on the A4's (especially in Vietnam-type camo paint scheme) but hate the extended tail pipe