Jumping in with the A-4
B Skyhawk/Scooter. I'm going armed too; especially for that possible stop in Soviet territory.
I'll save you the research for in service date:
A4D-2 (A-4B)
- Before delivery of the A4D-1 to fleet units, an improved version, the A4D-2 (A-4B) was ordered into production.
- Inprovements incorporated in the A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk were a stronger, "inside-out" rudder construction; a pressure fueling system with a probe for air-to-air refueling; external fuel tanks; stronger landing gear; additional navigation equipment; an improved air-to-ground ordnance delivery system; and an externally-carried "buddy store" package for air-to-air fueling of other aircraft.
- The first A4D-2 (A-4B) flight occurred on March 26, 1956, flown by Douglas test pilot Dru Wood.
- Fleet delivery of the A4D-2 (A-4B) began in September 1957.
- A total of 542 A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawks were manufactured, many of which were later modified and/or refurbished and sold to foreign countries (q.v.).
- A4D-2 (A-4B) BuNos:
142082 - 142141 (60)
142416 - 142423 (8)
142674 - 142953 (280)
144868 - 145061 (194)
The link:
http://a4skyhawk.org/2c/productionhistory.htm
The -E onward were a bit faster but too late.
Cya on the ramp!