Hobby Master Archive

VA-126 was established in 1958 to provide fleet instrument training. Over the years they became VF-126 and provided aggressor training. In 1967 the A-4E was being replaced in the fleet and they became the perfect choice to simulate the Mig-17 because of the small size, maneuverability and smokeless trail. Originally the Naval Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) was established in 1969 as part of VF-121. It quickly expanded to become the fleet school. VF-126 kept playing the bandit role until their disestablishment in 1994.