The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior is a jet-powered strategic bomber that was developed and produced by the Douglas Aircraft Company. It was designed by Douglas on behalf of the United States Navy, which sought a carrier -capable strategic bomber.

Fortunately, the A-3 (the A3D-1 and -2 had been re-designated A-3A and A-3B in September 1962 in accordance with the new Tri-Service designation system) was a remarkably adaptable aircraft and most A-3Bs were modified into KA-3B tankers …

Jun 5, 2023 · After two initial XA3D-1 prototypes proved underpowered using Westinghouse J40 engines, the first fifty A3D-1 production aircraft (later re-designated A-3As) used more powerful Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet.

Jan 25, 2022 · Douglas A3D-1 BuNo 135434. The Douglas A-3 Sky warrior was designed as a strategic bomber for the U.S. Navy and was among the longest serving carrier-based aircraft in history. It entered service in the mid1950s and was retired in 1991.

Aug 29, 2016 · This produced the A-3A (A3D-1), RA-3A (A3D-1P), EA-3A (A3D-1Q), A-3B (A3D-2), RA-3B (A3D-2P), EA-3B (A3D-2Q), TA-3B (A3D-2T) designations in turn. The Skywarrior was one of the many American aircraft pressed into combat …

The largest and heaviest aircraft designed for operation from an aircraft-carrier when the Douglas El Segundo division's project design was completed in 1949, the Douglas A3D Skywarrior originated from a US Navy requirement of 1947.

The A3D-1 was of all-metal construction, mostly of aircraft aluminum, with a high-wing configuration and all-swept flight surfaces, powered by twin P&W J57 turbojets, and fitted with tricycle landing gear.

Apr 17, 2025 · Astonishingly, the A-3 was not equipped with ejection seats, leading Navy service members to joke morbidly that the A-3D variant stood for “All Three Dead.” The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior often ...

Mar 31, 2017 · On July 31 st 1956, an A3D-1 Skywarrior flew nonstop and unrefueled from Hawaii to New Mexico (3200 miles) in just 5 hours and 40 minutes. In 1957 two A3D-1s launched from the aircraft carrier Bonne Homme Richard (CVA-19) and trapped aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60).

Mar 16, 2025 · A3D-1 (A-3A): Fifty initial production bombers, originally fitted with a tail turret and configured for three crew. A3D-1P (RA-3A) : Single A3D-1 modified with photographic equipment in the bomb bay for reconnaissance trials.