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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Antonio" data-source="post: 12537" data-attributes="member: 20">Well done Skybolt <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" />It is a very interesting finding. This morning I was reading Wings of Fame Volume 5 looking for "Advanced Skyhawks" while I found a reference to VAL and VAX.VAX was the original program for the replacement of the A-4 in the early 60s. But VAX was so ambitious and expensive that a short term solution was required becouse development was expected to be long. The interim A-4 replacement was to be purchased under VAL program (RFP 24 May 1963) and the aircraft should be based on a existing design.VAL contenders:Douglas A4D-6  or A-4F (not to be confused with the later A-4F): much improved Skyhawk with TF-30 engineLTV with a F-8 derivative (the future A-7)North American FJ-5Grumman with a stripped version of the A-6By August 1963 the marketing personnel reported that it seemed the actual numbers required would be 500 to 1000 and that the VAX would be pushed even further into the future.The Navy intended to rush the A-7A into production and cancel the A-4 production for FY 1965 and 1966 contracts. However, due to Vietnam War and some A-7 production difficulties, the A-4 production was not cancelled....and the VAX never left the drawing board.</blockquote>