FSX USMC A-7E Low Vis Camo

This fictional repaint envisions a United States Marine Corps A-7E Corsair II wearing a low-visibility camouflage scheme as if the service had formally adopted the aircraft in 1991. Recreated by John Detrick for the payware Razbam A-7E model, it aims to capture an alternate history in which the AV-8A Harrier program, initially a relatively unknown venture, did not materialize. Designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, this texture set portrays the A-7E in markings that mirror an actual Harrier’s paintwork from around 1975, using an authentic U.S. Marine Corps bureau number and real squadron identifiers.

Technical Background on the A-7 Corsair II

The single-engine A-7 Corsair II was originally produced as a light attack aircraft for the U.S. Navy to replace more aging designs. Despite its reliability, the Marines opted for a vertical and short takeoff and landing platform (the Harrier) instead. In this alternate concept, the A-7E would have been integrated under Marine Attack Squadron operations to provide robust close air support and precise ground-attack capabilities if political or budgetary restrictions had prevented acquiring a foreign-designed jet.

Realistic Low-Visibility Markings

This repaint showcases subdued camouflage consistent with early 1990s tactical standards. The low-vis insignia, toned-down gray shades, and a real bureau number from an actual USMC Harrier deliver an authentic “what-if” authenticity. The chosen squadron details also reflect real-world Marine Attack Squadron lineage from the era.

Payware Compatibility

Please note that this repaint requires the payware Razbam A-7E Corsair II package. The base aircraft is not included with these files. You may need to purchase the original model from a reputable vendor such as our payware store, SimShack, before installing this texture set.

Installation Steps

• Unzip and place the folder texture.VMA231HV into your Razbam A-7 Corsair II installation folder.
• Open your aircraft configuration file and paste in the following repaint entry, adjusting “x” to match your existing numbering sequence.

[fltsim.x] title= A-7 Corsair II VMA-231 1991 sim=A-7 model= panel= sound= texture=VMA231LV kb_checklists=a7_check kb_reference=a7_ref atc_airline=MARINES atc_flight_number=06 ui_manufacturer=Vought ui_type=A-7 Corsair II ui_variation=VMA-231 fictional circa 1991 Low Vis Camo description=Fictional USMC A-7E circa 1991. Repaint by John Detrick. The real world USMC chose the AV-8A Harrier instead, but this livery imagines an alternative scenario. ui_createdby="RAZBAM" atc_heavy=0 visual_damage=1

Additional Notes

This livery highlights the flexibility of the A-7E platform in Marine Corps service. If Congress had denied funding for the British-designed Harrier, or if the platform had proven unfeasible, the A-7 could have filled a similar role. John Detrick carefully emulated the unit markings from the period, ensuring historical legitimacy while preserving the fictional angle.