FSX USMC A-7E Hi Vis Camo

This fictional repaint depicts what a United States Marine Corps A-7E might have resembled in 1975 if the Corps had chosen that airframe instead of moving forward with the AV-8A Harrier. It retains a genuine squadron designation and a bureau number linked to the Harrier from that era. The livery is specifically designed for the payware Razbam A-7E in Microsoft Flight Simulator X and is offered by the developer, John Detrick.

Technical Background on the A-7 and USMC Considerations

The LTV A-7 Corsair II (an evolved variant of the F-8 Crusader) was a carrier-capable, subsonic light attack jet known for its efficient fuel consumption and noteworthy payload capacity. During the mid-1970s, the US Marine Corps evaluated alternatives for a short takeoff and landing aircraft, which ultimately led to the adoption of the Harrier platform. The “what if” scenario presented here contemplates a different path where the Marines, potentially restricted from purchasing foreign-manufactured hardware, could have procured the A-7. This fictional scheme reflects genuine markings used by an actual Harrier unit, making the concept appear plausible.

High-Visibility Camouflage Concept

The repaint blends a high-visibility camouflage style with distinctive Marine markings referencing a real squadron that operated the early Harriers (notably, VMA-231). This approach envisions an alternate timeline wherein the Harrier program might have been shelved or denied funding, paving the way for an American-made replacement. To maintain authenticity, the texture incorporates a real bureau number assigned to a USMC Harrier around that time period.

Payware Requirement

Important: This add-on consists of textures only. It is compatible with Razbam’s payware A-7E. For the livery to function correctly, you must possess the full payware model, which can be acquired from a trusted retailer such as SimShack. These textures will not work as a standalone product.

Incorporating the Repaint into Your Simulator

1. Place the folder named texture.VMA231HV inside your existing “RAZBAM A-7 Corsair II” directory.
2. Then, locate and open the aircraft configuration file (aircraft.cfg) in the same folder.
3. Insert the following code block under the last [fltsim.x] entry, ensuring you change “x” to the next integer in sequence:

[fltsim.x]
title= A-7 Corsair II VMA-231 1975
sim=A-7
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=VMA231HV
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 1975 Hig Vis Camo
description=Fictional USMC A-7E circa 1975. Textures only for the payware RAZBAM A-7E. This is a fictional “what if” livery. The USMC had considered using the A-7, but instead opted to spend the money on a relatively unknown project, the AV-8A Harrier. This is a rendition of the A-7E in the colors a real Harrier used circa 1975. I used a real bureau number assigned to a Harrier as well as a real squadron that used the Harrier. If the Harrier hadn’t worked out, or if Congress wouldn’t authorize the purchase of a foreign made weapon system, this very well may have been what a USMC A-7 looked like. Repaint by John Detrick
ui_createdby="RAZBAM"
atc_heavy=0
visual_damage=1

Key Highlights

Realistic Markings

Incorporates an authentic Marine Attack Squadron mural and a genuine bureau number from mid-1970s Harrier records.

Accurate Camouflage

Adopts a high-visibility scheme akin to what Marine jet aircraft displayed during the same time frame.

Fully Fictional “What If” Concept

Showcases an alternate history where the USMC selected the A-7E instead of British-designed VTOL technology.

All creative credit goes to John Detrick, and you can enjoy this freeware repaint while pairing it with your payware Razbam A-7E in Microsoft Flight Simulator X.