A-3 Skywarrior Model

The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior was a strategic bomber developed for the United States Navy. It was among the longest serving carrier-based aircraft in history, entering service in the mid-1950s and being retired in 1991. The A-3 was designed to carry nuclear bombs and provide the Navy with a strategic strike capability in addition to its mobile tactical role. The large size of the early nuclear bombs required a large aircraft to carry them, and Douglas was awarded a contract in 1949 to build the prototype, which first flew in 1952. The A-3 was re-engined with J-57 engines and first entered service with VAH-1 in 1956. The following year, the first A3D-2 (A-3B) was delivered to VAH-2. This model featured more powerful engines, an inflight refueling system, and a modified bomb bay to carry a wider range of weapons.

Reconnaissance versions of the A-3 were produced for two heavy photographic squadrons (VAPs 61 and 62). These were pressurized and could accommodate two reconnaissance specialists and up to 12 oblique and/or vertical cameras. This model was designated the A3D-2P (RA-3B). Another variant, the A3D-2Q (EA-3B), added four electronic specialists to the flight crew and an assortment of radar and other electronic detection equipment and went to VQs 1 and 2. There was also a radar/navigation training version, the A3D-2T (TA-3B), which could accommodate six students.

In the early 1960s, the A-3 was redesignated as the A-3 series and new versions were introduced, including the KA tanker, the ERA and EKA multipurpose versions, and one VA for special mission support. The A-3 Skywarrior played a role in the Vietnam War and served Navy mission needs elsewhere in the world. It was eventually retired in March 1991.