The A-4 Skyhawk series formed the backbone of Navy and Marine Corps light jet attack forces from the late 1950s into the 1980s. Its development continued through those years with many improvements, updates, and advancements that increased its versatility, performance, and ease of maintenance. Total Skyhawk production reached almost 3,000, and the A-4 type aircraft was flown by the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels, from 1974 to 1986. Built by Douglas Aircraft Company, a division of McDonnell Douglas Corporation, it was a carrier based light attack-bomber with a single pilot, powered by one Pratt and Whitney J-52-P408A turbojet.