Aircraft & UAVs

A-6E Intruder

Also known as

A-6E
A-6 Intruder
Grumman A-6E Intruder

The A-6E Intruder was Grumman's two-seat, twin-jet carrier-based attack aircraft for all-weather strike, later upgraded with TRAM sensors and Harpoon-capable mission fit.

A-6E Intruder, Carrier-based attack aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Image source: A-6E Intruders VA-75 in flight 1982

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Grumman Aerospace
Type: Carrier-based attack aircraft
Service note: Cold War

carrier-based carrier aviation attack aircraft maritime strike

Specifications

Crew: 2
Wingspan: 53 ft
Length: 54 ft 9 in
Height: 16 ft 2 in
Max catapult take-off weight: 58,600 lb
Payload: Up to 18,000 lb of ordnance
Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney J52-P-8B turbojets

Launched Weapons

The A-6E Intruder could launch Harpoon anti-ship missiles as part of its carrier strike mission.

Launched item

Item type

Launch evidence

Harpoon, Coastal and anti-ship cruise missile system, Artillery

Anti-ship cruise missile

Naval Aviation News documents VA-85 A-6E Intruders launching Harpoon from USS Saratoga, confirming the aircraft's anti-ship launch role.

Sources: Naval Aviation News Harpoon Launch

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps service from the 1960s into the 1990s.
Used by: U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps

Media

A-6E Intruder Images

A-6E Intruder, Carrier-based attack aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs - view 1 — Source: A-6E Intruder landing on CVN-69

A-6E Intruder, Carrier-based attack aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs - view 2 — Source: A-6E Intruders VA-75 in flight 1982

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Sources

A-6E Intruder - SmithsonianPublisher: National Air and Space Museum | Note: Supports background on the A-6E Intruder, including first flight, delivery, and broader service context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 A-6E Intruder - NHHCPublisher: Naval History and Heritage Command | Note: Supports general A-6E Intruder background and technical description as the Navy's all-weather attack bomber. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Naval Aviation News Harpoon LaunchPublisher: Naval History and Heritage Command | Note: Supports the A-6E Intruder launching a Harpoon missile from VA-85 aboard USS Saratoga. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 A-6E Intruders VA-75 in flight 1982Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for the A-6E Intruder in flight and documents an A-6E armed with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 A-6E Intruder landing on CVN-69Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for the A-6E Intruder carrier landing image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27