5, in Monte Real, between 1981 and 1996. Attack Squadron 304 "Magníficos" based at Air Base No. 5, in Monte Real, between 1984 and 1999. Thailand Thailand purchased 14 A-7Es and 4 TA-7Cs for coastal defense and sea patrol duties. The aircraft were delivered during the summer of 1995 and were in service with the 104th "White Shark" squadron, 1st Wing at U-Tapao Air Base. These aircraft were not operational as of July 20, 2007. However, the Royal Thai Navy continues to maintain the operability of the aircraft with the necessary maintenance and by starting them up and taxiing them on the airport's tarmac. Royal Thai Naval Air Division (Ratchanavee Thai or Kong Tup Rua Thai) 104th "White Shark" squadron, 1st Wing, U-Tapao Air Base; operated A-7E and TA-7C aircraft. United States United States Air Force In response to the Army's need for a ground attack aircraft in South Vietnam, the Vought A-7 seemed to be a relatively quick and inexpensive way to satisfy this need. The USAF version of the aircraft was designated A-7D, and was customized with a different engine, a new avionics package, and an M61 rotary cannon, and a computerized navigation/weapons delivery system. Support Commands The first YA-7D and some early production A-7D aircraft were received from LTV by Air Force Systems Command at Edwards AFB, California (Tail code: ED) and Eglin AFB, Florida (EG) in early 1968. Edwards aircraft were used for the initial Flight Testing (FT) of the new aircraft, and were later retained for ongoing flight testing of aircraft modifications over its years in operational service. An A-7D was also used at the USAF Test Pilot School. In 1979, the prototype A-7K two-seat trainer was tested at Edwards, and in 1988, the YA-7F Strike fighter was also tested there. Edlin Aircraft were used for Operational Testing (OT) and weapons tests of ordnance. Tinker AFB, Oklahoma (FLZ) was designated the prime depot support facility for the A-7D. All newly manufactured aircraft were delivered there from LTV for acceptance inspection by Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) prior to delivery to operational units. Tinker also provided ongoing depot-level maintenance and IRAN inspections of operational aircraft until its retirement in 1992. 6510th Test Wing Edwards Air Force Base California YA-7D-1-CV s/n 67-14582 (1968-1992) First Y-A7D flight 4/6/1968 YA-7D-1-CV s/n 67-14583 (1968-1992) First USAF Fly-By-Wire (DIGITAC) aircraft A-7D-2-CV s/n 68-8221 (1968-1972) (crashed) A-7D-2-CV s/n 68-8222 (1968-1992) A-7D-2-CV s/n