Douglas A-3 Skywarrior

Aircraft of the U.S. Navy

Development

Entwicklung

The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior was a strategic bomber built for the U.S. Navy and among the longest serving carrier-based jet aircraft. It entered service in the mid-1950s and was retired in 1991. For many years after its introduction, it was also the heaviest aircraft ever flown from an aircraft carrier, earning it the unofficial nickname "The Whale". Its primary function for much of its later service life was as an electronic warfare platform, tactical air reconnaissance platform, and high capacity aerial refueling tanker.  

Variants

Versionen

Two prototypes 

Zwei Prototypen

initial production versions, 50 build

Erstserienflugzeug, 50 Maschinen

One A3D-1 converted as a prototype for the A3D-2 with camera pack in the weapon bay.

Eine A3D-1 umgebaut als Prototype für die A3D-2 mit Kameraausrüstung. 

Five A3D-1s converted for the electronic reconnaissance 

Fünf A3D-1 umgebaut für die Elektronische Aufklärung

Definitive production bomber version, with stronger airframe, more powerful engines. 164 build

Endgültige Serienversion mit verstärktem Rumpf und stärkeren Motoren. 164 Maschinen

30 photo-reconnaissance aircraft

Photoaufklärer, 30 Maschinen

24 electronic warfare versions 

ECM- und Elint-Version, 24 Maschinen

12 bomber-trainer versions

Schulmaschine zur Bombennavigation, 12 Maschinen

85 A-3B bombers refitted for the tanker role

85 A-3B Bomber die für die als  Tanker umgebaut wurden

34 KA-3B tankers refitted for dual ECM/tanker role

34 KA-3B Tanker umgebaut als ECM und Tanker

Eight RA-3Bs converted as electronic aggressor aircraft

8 RA-3 umgebaut als elektronische Aggressoren. 

Six RA-3Bs converted for various  test purposes.

Sechs RA-3B umgebaut für diverse Tests

One EA-3B converted as a VIP transport.

Eine EA-3B umgebaut als VIP-Maschine

Operational history

Einsatzgeschichte

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Drawings

Zeichnungen

Heavy Attack Squadrons

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Heavy Photographic Squadrons

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Composite Photographic Squadrons

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons

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Heavy Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons

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Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons

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Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons

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Aerial Refueling Squadrons

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Fleet Transport Squadrons

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Test and Evaluation Squadrons

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Naval Reserve

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