Italeri 90165 - 1:72 OA-4M Skyhawk

1:72 scale plastic model kit of the OA-4M Skyhawk II

Italeri 90165 reproduces the OA-4M Skyhawk II – a specialized variant of the iconic Douglas A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft, converted by the US Marines from single-seat TA-4Fs into a two-seat aircraft for air command, guidance, and tactical communications (TACS – Tactical Air Control System). The OA-4M differs from the combat A-4M primarily in its tandem two-seat cockpit, extensive communications equipment, and antennas—while retaining its armament capability.

This kit is based on Italeri’s classic A-4 Skyhawk series, enhanced in 2026 with a new decal sheet featuring USMC markings. It is the perfect choice for enthusiasts of post-war U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation.

The kit includes:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing, and accessory parts
• Transparent sprues with cockpit canopies
• New 2026 water-slide decal sheet (USMC variants)
• Color assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalog number: 90165
• Manufacturer: Italeri (Italy)
• Model length after assembly: approx. 170 mm
• Model wingspan: approx. 116 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Model construction:

A kit of medium difficulty, suitable for modelers with basic experience. It is recommended to paint and finish the tandem cockpit before closing the fuselage. When painting, pay attention to the rear antennas characteristic of the OA-4M version, which distinguish it from the A-4M.

OA-4Ms flew in the standard Light Gull Grey (FS 16440) scheme on upper surfaces and White (FS 17875) on undersides, characteristic of the USMC in the 1970s and 1980s. Later aircraft switched to Low Visibility Grey—a uniform dark gray. The new 2026 decals include specific squadron numbers and markings.

Essential tools:

• Model-making pliers
• Model-making knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper
• Plastic glue
• Brushes of various sizes
• Model paints
• Clear coat for decals
• Model wash

About the aircraft – OA -4M Skyhawk II:

The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk was a light carrier-based attack aircraft designed by Ed Heinemann and produced starting in 1954. It was characterized by a surprisingly low (fully loaded, it weighed less than 11,000 kg MTOW) and a triangular delta wing with such a small wingspan that it did not require a folding mechanism on aircraft carriers. The A-4 flew with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines throughout the Cold War decades, participating in the Vietnam War and the Yom Kippur War.

The OA-4M is a special conversion of 23 TA-4F aircraft for the role of Tactical Air Coordinator (TACO). The aircraft served primarily in the US Marine Corps as platforms for guiding attack aircraft to ground targets. They were operated by the USMC from the mid-1970s until the early 1990s, when they were replaced by the F/A-18D. The OA-4M is distinguished by a rich array of communications antennas and observation equipment.

Technical specifications of the original (OA-4M Skyhawk II) :

• Length: 12.27 m
• Wingspan: 8.38 m (without wingtips and pylons)
• Height: 4.57 m
• Takeoff weight: approx. 11,113 kg
• Crew: 2 (pilot and tactical officer in tandem)
• Armament: optional – 2 × Colt Mk 12 20 mm cannons, weapon pylons
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney J52-P-408A turbojet engine, thrust approx. 41 kN
• Maximum speed: approx. 1,077 km/h (Mach ~0.88)
• Range: approx. 3,220 km (with external fuel tanks)
• Conversion: approx. 23 units from TA-4F

About the manufacturer – Italeri:

Italeri S.p.A. is an Italian model kit manufacturer based in Bologna, operating since 1962 and one of Europe’s largest producers of plastic model kits. World War II aircraft models and Cold War-era jets hold a special place in Italeri’s lineup, including an extensive series of Skyhawks in all popular scales. The company regularly updates existing molds with new decals and graphics, reaching new generations of aviation enthusiasts.