The decals have markings for two planes. One is the box art scheme from VA-81, with many of the markings in white. The other is a VA-105 aircraft with most markings in black and the large, single-color insignia.
The A-7 was developed during the early 1960s as replacement for the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Its design was derived from the Vought F-8 Crusader; in comparison with the F-8, the A-7 is both smaller and restricted to subsonic speeds, its airframe being simpler and cheaper to produce. Following a competitive bid by Vought in response to the United States Navy's (USN) VAL (Heavier-than-air, Attack, Light) requirement, an initial contract for the type was issued on 8 February 1964. Development was rapid, first flying on 26 September 1965 and entering squadron service with the USN on 1 February 1967. By the end of that year, A-7s were being deployed overseas for the Vietnam War.