True, the Intruder’s strongest point was always its avionics systems. The large fuselage, which did place limits on maneuverability and speed, was what gave it the ability to carry all of those systems.

As for the engines, I believe the USN made a big mistake when they did not include a more powerful engine in the A-6E model improvements. The A-6E still used the 2 – 9,300 lbst J52-P-8B engines of the A-6A & EA-6A models, while the EA-6B used the 11,200 lbst J52-P-408 (also used in the USMC’s A-4M Skyhawk II).

This engine was available in 1971, when the A-6E was being developed, and should have been installed. The resulting 20% thrust increase would have solved that Captain’s complaint nicely!