Al's Hobbies Gallery :: Tamjet's A4 Skyhawk

The A4 is a classic American Attack fighter. Originally designed to replace the Piston Driven Sky raider the Sky hawk as it is known has found use in numerous application, by a host of different air forces across the world. Its revolutionary small and simple design went against all the aircraft of its time. Built with speed and agility in mind it soon became a firm favorite with all those that flew the type. Testimony to the flying qualities of the A4 was the fact that it was the chosen mount for the world famous Blue angles aerobatic display team.
The Tam Jets Skyhawk follows some of the original guidelines that were applied to the full size aircraft design. Compact in size, makes the Tams A4 ideally suited to the smaller turbines available today. Customers have already flown our A4 with a host of turbines such as Jet Cat P-60, Jet Cat P-70 , Wren 54 MK3, Wren Super Sport….. In fact pretty much any 54 size turbine is a perfect choice of the A4, with the possibility of fitting larger turbines an option. However we fdo advise liberal use of throttle management, as even with the P-60 we have experienced some quite scintillating speeds….
To show how versatile an airframe the A4 is, there is even a conversion of an early it to EDF power currently awaiting test flights in Germany.

As is the norm with Tam jets designs, the A4 is of an all composite construction with scale detail already pre molded into each airframe. We can offer this kit in a variety of states of completion. From Basic Kit ( Which requires formers and hatches fitting) To the Full ARTF ( Which is supplied 90% assembled with all formers and hatched fitted, and all control surfaces ready to hinge, available in a choice of colours) We can even offer a special order custom built special, that is finished to world class standards, but be warned the finish is so good on these that there is already a lengthy waiting list.

Click Here to View a Video of Ali flying the A4 at Superman Jet Rally 2006

Al looks happy after the first flights in the Uk of his new Tam Jets A4.

A cold December day at RAF Honington, Al's preferred test site

Another shot of the Skyhawk looking menacing

From whatever angle you look at it, this is all A4!!!!

A shot of the A4's test flight

Coming into land on flight number 1. Early flights showed that the model was a little nose heavy. Landings are now with a much higher angle of attack at touch down.

Surprisingly pure the A4 holds a true knife edge for a camera pass

Looking as if it has just flown by the carrier of a fast past. The P-60 really makes this model live up to its name of Scooter.

Tam Jet Demo Pilot Dave Presta burns on through on a camera pass. Dave is one of the few pilots in the world that Al trusts to fly his models.

Gear pass shows the split flaps, gear door fairings and Arrestor hook. The hook is as yet non operational...

Slow speed fly by. To the surprise of some, the Skyhawk is surprisingly steady at slow speeds. Planes this small, and especially A4's have a reputation as being a handful. Not so with this one.

Nice 3/43 shot showing the split flaps and refueling probe

A shot taken just before the first flight. No worries required as all went well and the Scooter flew pretty much straight off the board

Looking resplendent in the Californian sunshine. Its going to be a few months before we can get a picture like this in the UK.