page_title: Grumman A-6 Intruder
section_title: Variant list
hierarchical_section_title: Grumman A-6 Intruder / Variants / Variant list
caption_attribution_description: English: A U.S. Navy Grumman A-6E Intruder (BuNo 155670) aircraft from Attack Squadron 52 (VA-52) "Knightriders" in flight in 1981. VA-52 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) from 1 April to 23 November 1981 for a deployment to the Western Pacific. Note: The date given (15 January 1984) has to be incorrect, as BuNo 155670 was assigned to VA-52 for the 1981 cruise. In 1984 CVW-15 was also assigned to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). 155670 was an A-6A modified to an A-6E. After its retirement it was sunk as an artificial reef.
context_page_description: The Grumman A-6 Intruder is an American twinjet all-weather attack aircraft developed and manufactured by American aircraft company Grumman Aerospace that was operated by the U.S. Navy.
  The A-6 was developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s in response to a requirement issued by the United States Navy for an all-weather jet-powered carrier-based attack aircraft. It was designed as a successor for multiple existing medium-sized attack aircraft, such as the piston-engined Douglas A-1 Skyraider. Unlike its predecessors, and even some contemporaries, the A-6 made extensive use of interconnected avionics. Operated by a crew of two in a side-by-side seating configuration, the workload was divided between the pilot and weapons officer. In addition to conventional munitions, the type was also compatible with the Navy's air-based nuclear weapons, which were deployable via a toss bombing techniques. On 19 April 1960, the prototype performed the type's maiden flight.
  The A-6 was in service with the United States Navy and Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, multiple variants of the type being introduced during this time.
context_section_description: YA2F-1
  Pre-production aircraft, eight built with the first four with rotating jet exhaust pipes, redesignated YA-6A in 1962.
  A2F-1
  First production variant with fixed tailpipe, 484 built, redesignated A-6A in 1962.
  YA2F-1H
  Prototype electronic warfare variant, one modified from A2F-1, redesignated YEA-6A in 1962.
  A2F-1H
  Electronic warfare variant of the A2F-1 redesignated EA-6A in 1962
  YA-6A
  Pre-production aircraft redesignated from YA2F-1 in 1962.
  A-6A
  First production variant redesignated from A2F-1 in 1962.
  YEA-6A
  One YA2F-1 electronic warfare variant prototype redesignated in 1962.
  EA-6A
  Electronic warfare variant redesignated from A2F-1H, had a redesigned fin and rudder and addition of an ECM radome, able to carry underwing ECM pods, three YA-6A and four A-6As converted and 21 built.
  NA-6A
  The redesignation of three YA-6As and three A-6As. The six aircraft were modified for special tests.
  NEA-6A
  One EA-6A aircraft was modified for special test purposes.
  TA-6A
  Proposed trainer variant with three-seat, not built.
  A-6B
  Variant fitted with avionics for the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), 19 conversions from A-6A.
  EA-6B Prowler
  Electronic warfare variant of the A-6A with longer fuselage for four crew.
  YEA-6B
  The designation of two EA-6B prototypes, which were modified for special test purposes.
  A-6C
  A-6A conversion for low-level attack role with electro-optical sensors, twelve converted.
  KA-6D
  A-6A conversion for flight-refueling, 58 converted.
  A-6E
  A-6A with improved electronics.
  A-6F Intruder II
  Advanced version with updated electronics and General Electric F404 turbofans; only 5 built.
  A-6G
  Proposed cheaper alternative to the A-6F, with its advanced electronics, but existing J52 turbojets.
  G-128-12
  Unbuilt single-seat A-6 based design proposal for the VA(L) competition for A-4 Skyhawk replacement based on existing design. Contract ultimately awarded to the LTV A-7 Corsair II.
caption: A-6E Intruder of VA-52, 1981
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