The A-4K Skyhawk Kahu, flown by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), was a heavily modernized version of the original A-4K platform. The "Kahu" upgrade program, initiated in the 1980s, transformed the aging Skyhawks into highly capable multirole fighters, incorporating cutting-edge avionics and weapons systems comparable to front-line fourth-generation aircraft of the time.

Powered by the Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8A turbojet engine, the upgraded A-4K maintained a top speed of 675 mph (1,086 km/h) and carried up to 9,900 lbs (4,490 kg) of ordnance over five external hardpoints. Post-upgrade, it was equipped to deploy a wide range of modern weaponry, including the AGM-65F Maverick missile for precision strike missions.

Key upgrades of the A-4K Kahu included:

AN/APG-66NZ radar (based on the F-16’s radar) for improved targeting and situational awareness.

MIL-STD-1553 digital databus and glass cockpit with HUD and MFDs.

Compatibility with modern NATO-standard munitions including AGM-65F, AIM-9L Sidewinder, and laser-guided bombs.

New mission computers, electronic warfare systems, and navigation equipment.

The Kahu program extended the service life of the RNZAF’s Skyhawks into the 2000s, making them highly capable for both air-to-ground and limited air-to-air roles. Though retired in 2001, the A-4K Kahu remains a celebrated example of cost-effective modernization.

Controls:
AG1: Jettison fuel tank
AG2: Jettison AGM-65F
AG6: Extend parachute
AG7: Extend tail hook
AG8: Light
VTOL: Flaps
Trim: Elevator Trim

Credits: @Inuyasha8215