THE MALAYSIAN AIR FORCE is retaining six of its elderly McDonnell Douglas A-4PTM Skyhawks for use as tankers. The Curtiss Wright J-65-V420 powered-aircraft are fitted with an underfuselage-mounted "buddy" hose-reel pod and are used to support Malaysia's probe-equipped BAe Hawk 200s. The A-4s have been replaced in front-line service by the Hawk, but are expected to remain in service as tankers until Airod completes conversion of two Lockheed Martin KC-130Hs.
Source: Flight International