Paul Moore
FYI, I remember every Intruder I flew had a khaki seat cushion. Also the speed brake just aft of the exhaust hadn't been used since the A model. Just a couple of thoughts if it means anything to you.

CaptGPF Author
Hi Paul! I don't seem to see anything on the manual depicting a speed brake outside of those on the wings. I am assuming the panel aft of the engines were servicing panels.

Thanks for the clarification on the cushion colors, the internet references are. All over the place!

When did you fly the intruder? If I may ask.

Paul Moore
1989-1993. I was in VA-155 (Silver Foxes) on the Ranger. We were CVW-2.

As fast as as the speed brakes, from your photos it looked like you had painted the cavity of the speed brakes that were initially just behind the exhaust. Those were bolted shut as they were the original location of the speed brakes. Your paint job is looking very impressive so far!

CaptGPF Author
Wow! That was one of the last Forrestal class carriers! I don't see any references of your unit being upgraded to the TRAM variant, was that specifically for the laser guided GBUs? Pardon the questions, but curiosity killed my cat. 😀

Paul Moore
All the A-6E's were upgraded to TRAM sometime in the early 80's (I think. It was before my time). All were TRAM (USN & USMC) when I was flying them. Our sister squadron in CVW-2 on the Ranger was VA-145. They had the SWIP upgrade which allowed them to fire HARM, Maverick, Harpoon, SLAM,). 155 upgraded to SWIP on our 2nd cruise in 92-93. SWIP was all software upgrades (no external visible indication). Feel free to ask away! I enjoy talking about the old Grumman warhorse.

CaptGPF Author
That is strange, one would have assumed that the A-6 would have had the capability of using harpoons from the get-go. I was also surprised about the late addition of the Mavericks as I had seen many Vietnam clips of the intruder displaying camera footage on their screens - either that, or I've been confusing that with another attack aircraft!

I assume you were the pilot (based on your photo) instead of the BN. Ever miss your navy days? Especially when landing on a swaying deck? 😀. You've got more courage than Inever will - seen some footage of how bad some of those swells can be!

Paul Moore
FYI, maybe the TRAM could fire the Harpoon. I'm not sure. But the other "specialty" missiles required the SWIP upgrade.