A4D-2's Span the AtlanticTwo A4D-2 Skyhawk jets from the Second Marine Aircraft Wing spanned the Atlantic in a little over five hours. This was the first flight of a single-engine jet across the ocean using the "buddy" system of in-flight refueling. The flight covered a 2270-mile span from Argentia, Newfoundland, to NAS Rota, Spain. Led by Col. Homer G. Hutchinson, who was accompanied by 1st Lt. George N. Bailey, Jr., the flight was made to evaluate the A4D-2's long-range self-supporting aerial staging capability which permits Marine Corps deployment of its attack aircraft to any corner of the world. The A4D-2's were refueled in flight by other A4D-2's equipped with Buddy Stores slung on the external racks. The A4D-2 jet is the smallest and lightest U.S. jet-powered combat aircraft. It carries either atomic weapons or various conventional weapons. Naval Aviation News July 1959 Provided by John "Gabby" Gabbard. |