TMN: Preview: 48th-scale Scooter from HobbyBoss in October.

An Argentine A-4P Skyhawk is on the way from Hobbyboss in October. We look at the colours, decals & built-up kit in our preview...

Preview: 48th-scale Scooter from HobbyBoss in October.

A-4P Skyhawk

by Hobbyboss

Model: 81797

1/48th scale

Product Link

The A-4P Skyhawk was a specialised, remanufactured variant of the Douglas A-4B Skyhawk purchased by Argentina in the mid-1960s to modernise its tactical air power. Built originally as a lightweight, carrier-capable attack jet for the United States Navy, these surplus aircraft underwent extensive refurbishments before delivery to the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina). The modification programme updated the avionics and overhauled the existing systems to optimise the rugged airframes for land-based operations, allowing Argentina to establish a formidable ground-attack capability with a highly cost-efficient platform.

Engineered under the minimalist design philosophy of legendary aviation engineer Ed Heinemann, the aircraft featured a compact delta wing so efficient that it eliminated the need for heavy folding mechanisms. Powered by a reliable, subsonic Pratt & Whitney J65 turbojet engine, the A-4P prioritised ease of maintenance, exceptional manoeuvrability, and a robust payload capacity over sheer top speed. For its strike role, the jet was armed with two internal 20 mm Colt Mk 12 cannons and equipped with multiple underwing and centreline hardpoints capable of carrying thousands of pounds of conventional unguided bombs, rockets, and external fuel tanks.

The colour schemes presented in this kit

The A-4P Skyhawk earned its place in aviation history during the 1982 Falklands War (Guerra de las Malvinas), where Argentine pilots flew hazardous, low-level anti-ship missions against the British Royal Navy. Operating at the absolute limit of their combat radius, these pilots utilised daring sea-skimming tactics to evade radar and air-defence networks, successfully damaging or sinking several major British warships. Despite suffering devastating losses to British Sea Harriers and surface-to-air missiles, the aggressive deployment of the A-4P during the conflict solidified the aircraft's reputation as a lethal and resilient strike fighter.

The decals in the box