A3D-2P (RA-3B): 30 photo-reconnaissance aircraft with weapons bay package for up to 12 cameras plus photoflash bombs. Increased pressurization allowed camera operator to enter the bay to check the cameras.

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. 17,876 kg. …

Joined in the late fifties by the specialized electronic reconnaissance (A3D-2Q), photographic reconnaissance (A3D-2P) and-trainer (A3D-2T) versions, the A3Ds grew in importance until a peak of eighteen squadrons was reached shortly after …

The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior, the largest carrier-based aircraft in U.S. Navy inventory and nicknamed the “Whale,” was designed as a strategic bomber and attack aircraft, and also served as a tanker aircraft. The A3D-2P was a specialized photographic reconnaissance version of the A3D-2 Skywarrior.

The "A3D-2P" was a photo-reconnaissance variant, effectively the production version of the one-off YA3D-1P, featuring the same general arrangement. A total of 30 A3D-2Ps was built, with the first performing its initial flight on 22 July 1958.

Mar 16, 2025 · A3D-2 (A-3B): Primary production bomber variant with a reinforced airframe, updated avionics, and Pratt & Whitney J57 engines. A3D-2P (RA-3B): Thirty-camera reconnaissance version retaining much of the A-3B’s configuration but …

Jul 18, 2020 · Douglas also built thirty specialized RA-3B (originally designated A3D-2P) photo-reconnaissance jets mounting twelve high-resolution cameras in the newly pressurized bomb bay and photoflash...

A3D-2P (RA-3B) Structurally, the A3D-2P was closely similar to the A3D-2Q and A3D-2T with the exception that the pressurized section of the fuselage was further reduced in depth to allow installation of a non-pressurized, 68-inch deep flash-bomb bay immediately forward of the relocated forward fuel tank, for use during night photography missions.

Sep 25, 2017 · All eight ERA-3Bs were originally delivered as A3D-2Ps, a photo-reconnaissance "Version" of the A3D-2 bomber. Like the other Versions, the interior had been permanently rearranged to provide a cabin aft of the cockpit.

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. 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.