It was once used by air forces across the world and has seen action everywhere from Vietnam to the Falklands.

But it's been 40 years since the now rare Skyhawk jet was last spotted at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

The A-4N Skyhawk, which was developed for use by the United States Navy and Marine Corps, will jet into RAF Fairford later this month for the internationally-famous air show.

The single-engine attack plane will fly in from Germany. Once owned by the Israeli Air Force, the plane is now used to train Germany’s top dogfight pilots.

The Skyhawk will be on display at Fairford on Saturday July 15 and Sunday July 16.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: "Confirmation that an A-4 Skyhawk is participating in the Air Tattoo is great news and will be welcomed, in particular, by all our enthusiasts.

“It's a compact little fighter that in its heyday punched above its weight and played important roles in significant conflicts during the 60s, 70s and 80s. Its rarity alone makes it one of the stand-out aircraft taking part in this summer's airshow."

The last time a Skyhawk flew into the International Air Tattoo was 1977, when the show was held at RAF Greenham Common in Berkshire.

The small group of A-4G jets were owned by the Royal Australian Navy and launched from aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne – which at the time was part of the massed Silver Jubilee Fleet Review in Portsmouth.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, from Friday July 14 to Sunday July 16. For more, visit: www.airtattoo.com.