Alright ... you sassy little thing .... there's not too much that can pick up and run with the BUFF's mission or capabilities .... they're never gonna build another B-52 look-alike/do-alike, I suspect ....
But there ARE other airframes that can do the A-4's mission, bigger, faster, sometimes stronger ..... and .... or course, those airframes cost lots more ......... lots and lots more $$$$$ ..... and that's what it's all about when you come right down to it.
But you will be hard pressed to find many drivers who would put another "jet" in front of their former A-4 mount when it's that time of day, you've had one too many to drink, the sun is setting over the western sky (and its gotta' be the Pacific), and a bunch of guys are getting quiet(er) and reminiscing about their favorite airplanes, their buddies, and their fondest memories.
Sound corny?? It won't when you are there .... someday.
Right on the money. Prior to flying it, we always heard, as students, that you "wore the A-4." It was so true, even the TA-4J. Unfortunately, words can't describe what it was like to strap in and wear a jet. The single seater was an even tighter fitting glove. I guess the best description is to say it became an extension of yourself. Those who flew it understand it.
Of the jets I have time in (T-2, A-6, EA-6B, F-16, A4E, TA-4J, F-4J), I brag the most about my 1700 hours in the Scooter.
