A-7 Testing Installment #1 : A-7E Vertical Camera Pod Test

     In going through the VAHF archives a grouping of A-7 test photographs was reviewed. I was able to scan a number of interesting photos documenting various A-7 tests. This is the first installment of a series of those photos.

     At one time I dabbled in scale modeling. Unusual modifications and one of a kind installations were always high on the list to find and replicate. These photos are presented in that spirit. Here is an A-7E utilized for testing with a surprise. A-7E 156738 (LTV #5) tested a wing mounted vertical camera pod during April 1970. 

Above: LTV-08424U a Left Side 3/4 front view of 156738 with the camera pod mounted on the number three wing station. 13APR70.

Below: LTV-08419U a Left Side view of 156738 with the camera pod mounted on the number three wing station. 13APR70.

LTV-08425U A detail view showing the vertical camera pod mounted on A-7E 156738. 

     In the series there was not a detail shot of the rear of the pod, however there was a shot of the front of the pod with the aerodynamic fairing and camera window removed.

LTV-08426U A detail view showing the vertical camera inside the pod mounted on A-7E 156738.

     Looking through the engineering documentation photos of this test something looked funny on the right side of the jet. Closer examination of the photos revealed a fuselage mounted camera window and fairing. A strike camera normally occupies this location on the jet. The photos below show the right side of 156738 and attempts (by me) to provide closeup images to better illustrate the camera fairing that was installed on the fuselage.

LTV-08420U a Right front view of 156738 useful for markings detail. 13APR70.

Closeup of the camera fairing to give a better idea of the shape, location and detail. (Cut out of LTV-08420U)

 LTV-08423U a Right Side view of 156738. 13APR70.

Closeup of the camera fairing to give a better idea of the shape, location and detail. (Cut out of LTV-08423U)

LTV-08421U a Right Side 3/4 view of 156738 useful for marking illustration and the load out of a 300 gallon AERO-1D external fuel tank on the number 6 wing station. 13APR70.

LTV-08428U A detail view showing the installation of a fuselage mounted vertical camera (glass and fairing only) on the lower fuselage of A-7E 156738.

A-7C 156738 in service with VA-86 on USS America in November 1973 during a visit by a Vought representative.

     A-7E 156738 went on to serve fleet squadrons VA-86 and VA-174 as a A-7C. The first 67 A-7Es were designated at A-7C when they entered fleet service due to not having the TF-41 engine. 156738 was converted to a TA-7C in 1976 and was delivered to NWC China Lake in 1978. 

156738 now a TA-7C in approximately 1978 being delivered from Vought to NWC China Lake sitting on the Vought ramp. VAHF photo.

     Later in life she served with and retired from the Hellenic Air Force in 2014.