This planes where A4k´s survivors of the Kwait air force during the Irak invasion, in 1990.. they fled out during the occupation, and later where sold to Brazil.. later, we bought a french
carrier, the Foch wich was renamed Sao Paulo, to substitute the smaller and aging Minas Gerais wich was used with helicopters and Grumman Trackers anti sub planes wich was inadequate to operate the Skyhawks...

Yes, this slats are mechanically (and automatically) activated when the air speed is low enough... Ed Heynemann (the Skyhawk designer) was the first to use this device in a delta wing.. this system was used in airplanes as old as the Messerchmidt 109!

And as U.Joe said it is common to the Brazilian airplanes doing training catches in U.S. Carriers, as well from other nations too, and vice versa....


Enrique