Warplanes of the USA: Douglas A-3 Skywarrior

(USN Photo)

A Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior aircraft of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-2, named Ranger 16 aka "Lola", prepares to land aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) on 3 February 1987.

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. In July 1949, Douglas was awarded the contract to produce its design, having bested eight other aircraft companies' submissions. Unlike rival designs, which had aimed for a 100,000 lb (45,000 kg) maximum take-off weight, the Skywarrior was developed for a 68,000 lb (31,000 kg) take-off weight, facilitating its use from the navy's existing Midway-class aircraft carriers. Large portions of the aircraft were produced by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, including its early Westinghouse J40 turbojet engines, which failed to meet promises and were replaced by the rival Pratt & Whitney J57 engine by mid-1953. On 28 October 1952, the prototype XA3D-1 performed the type's maiden flight.

On 31 March 1956, the Skywarrior entered squadron service with the Navy. Initially used in the nuclear-armed strategic bomber role, the emergence of effective ballistic missiles led to this mission being deprioritized by the early 1960s. Throughout the majority of its later service life, the Skywarrior was tasked with various secondary missions which included use as an electronic warfare platform, tactical reconnaissance aircraft, and high-capacity aerial refueling tanker.[1] It was among the longest serving carrier-based aircraft in history, having entered service during the mid-1950s and withdrawn from use in 1991. Throughout its service, the Skywarrior was the heaviest operational aircraft to operate from an aircraft carrier, which contributed to its nickname of "Whale".

The Skywarrior is one of only three U.S. Navy attack aircraft to enter service in the strategic bomber role. The first was its predecessor, the North American AJ Savage. Its successor, the supersonic North American A-5 Vigilante initially supplanted the A-3 in the strategic bomber role (1961-1963) but was then converted to the tactical strike reconnaissance role.A modified derivative of the Skywarrior, the B-66 Destroyer, served in the United States Air Force, where it was operated as a tactical bomber, electronic warfare aircraft, and aerial reconnaissance platform up until its withdrawal during the 1970s. (Wikipedia)

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A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo. 142650) from Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-9 Hoot Owls refueling a McDonnell F4H-1F Phantom II (BuNo 148261) from Fighter Squadron VF-101 Det. A Grim Reapers during the "Project LANA Bendix Trophy Race" in 1961. To cap off the Phantom´s successful speed and altitude efforts, the U.S. Navy initiated "Project LANA", a transcontinental flight by five F4H-1F (after 1962 F-4A). The Roman letter "L" means "50", "ANA" stood for the "(50th) Anniversary of Naval Aviation". Refueling problems of BuNo 148261 handed the Bendix Trophy Race contest on 24 May 1961 to the F4H-1F (BuNo. 148270), which flew from Ontario, California, to Floyd Bennett Field, New York, at an average of speed of 1399.66 kph.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior aircraft (BuNo. 142650) of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron VAQ-33 refueling a Douglal TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft of Composite Squadron VC-12, in 1980.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Douglas A-3B Skywarrior (BuNos. 138955, and 138967) from fleet replacement squadron VAH-123 Professionals in flight. Both aircraft were converted to KA-3B tankers in 1967.

(Bill Larkins Photo)

Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo. 1398914), VAQ-308, NAS Alameda reserve squadron, in 1974.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142649) assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) "Scorpions" taxis aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS America (CVA-66), 1 November 1969.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior from electronic reconnaissance squadron VQ-2 Batmen taking off after having just misses the wires aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) on 22 March 1986.

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photos)

Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior, with VQ-2 Squadron based at Rota NAS in Spain, IAT 91 (note the 'Sharks mouth ' markings). Last noted being operated by Raytheon Systems at van Nuys, California, as N874RS.

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photo)

Douglas ERA-3B Skywarrior, VAQ-34. Later registered N547HA as a test aircraft with Raytheon/Hughes and eventually scrapped.

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photo)

Douglas NRA-3B (BuNo. 142667), Pacific Missile Test Centre (PMTC). Last noted with Raytheon Systems, Tucson, registered as N876RS.

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photo)

Douglas ERA-3B (BuNo. 142668/11, VAQ-34 seen shortly before retirement. This aircraft was last noted in storage at Mojave.

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photo)

Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior, VAQ-34 on the ramp along with ERA-3Bs 142668/11 and 144846/10 shortly before retirement.

(USN Photo)

Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Twenty Six (NMCB-26) use a crane to lift an EA-3B plane from a trailer in front of Naval Station Rota, Spain's Bachelor Officer Quarters. The plane is a static display moved from its original location to make room for parking lot expansion. 10 July 2003.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 146452) from Fleet Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-1 Det.64 World Watchers in flight over the South China Sea. VQ-1 Det.64 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) aboard the aircraft carrrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) for a deployment to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean from 21 June to 23 December 1974.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 146452) from Fleet Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-1 Det.64 World Watchers landing on the aircraft carrrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) in the South China Sea. VQ-1 Det.64 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) aboard the Constellation for a deployment to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean from 21 June to 23 December 1974.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (VQ-1) World Watchers flying out of Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior of Fleet Air Reconnaissance 2 (VQ-2) "Batmen" in flight over the Gulf of Sidra. VQ-2 Det. A was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) aboard the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean from 24 April to 14 November 1984. This aircraft, "Ranger 14" (JQ-14), later made VQ-2's last catapult trap on the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) on 2 November 1987. LT Bill Steen was the pilot.

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Flight deck crewmen conduct flight operations with an EA-3B Skywarrior aircraft aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), 1983.

(USN Photo)

An U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo 138964) of heavy attack squadron VAH-9 Hoot Owls is launched from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 28 May 1958. VAH-9 was assigned to Carrier Air Group Three (CVG-3) aboard the Saratoga for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 1 February to 1 October 1958. This A3D-2 was the personal aircraft of the Commander Air Group (CAG) of CVG-3. Also visible are seven McDonnell F3H-2N Demon fighters of fighter squadron VF-31 Tomcatters and a single Vought F8U-1 Crusader of VF-32 Swordsmen.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 158518) of Fleet Composite Squadron 1 (VC-1) in flight with a Douglas ERA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 144827) of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 33 (VAQ-33) during exercise "RIMPAC", over Hawaii (USA), 24 April 1978.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F-4B-14-MC Phantom II (BuNo 150635) of Fighter Squadron VF-41 "Black Aces" approaches a Douglas A-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142660) of Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-11 Det.8 "Checkertails" for inflight refueling. Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA-62) in 1964. Note that VAH-11 Det.8 kept its CVW-1 tail code "AB".

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A-3B Skywarrior (BuNo. 138959) of Heavy Attack Squadron 4 (VAH-4) refuels a North American RA-5C Vigilante (BuNo 148928) of Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 11 (RVAH-11) after a mission over North Vietnam, 29 January 1968. Both squadrons were assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) for a deployment to Vietnam from 18 November 1967 to 28 June 1968.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior of Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-1 launching from USS Shangri-La (CVA-38). This was the first A3D catapult shot, the pilot was Dick Davidson. Note the catapult bridle dropping below the A3D. 1956.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F3H-2 Demon of Fighter Squadron VF-124 "Gunfighters" and a Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) during carrier qualifications in 1956.

(USN Photo)

Various U.S. Navy aircraft of Attack Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) on deck of the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) during a deployment to Vietnam from 29 April to 4 December 1967. In the foreground are a North American A-5B Vigilante (BuNo 149300) from Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron RVAH-12 Speartips; Douglas A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 149579, "City of Selma") from Attack Squadron VA-146 Blue Diamonds; a black painted Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 144847) from Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VAP-61 World Recorders; an A-4C (BuNo 149508) from VA-55 Warhorses; and a Grumman A-6A Intruder (BuNo 152637) from VA-196 Main Battery.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142661) from Tactical Electronic Contermeasures Squadron VAQ-135 Det.5 Black Ravens refuels a Vought F-8J Crusader (BuNo 150660) from Fighter Squadron VF-211 Checkmates off Vietnam. Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) for a deployment to Vietnam from 7 January to 3 October 1972.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142255) of Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-10 Det.60 "Vikings" refuels a Royal Navy McDonnell Phantom FG.1 of 892 Naval Air Squadron. VAH-10 Det.60 was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 892 NAS to HMS Ark Royal (R09).

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 138974) from Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-4 Fourrunners Det.G dropping a Mk 83 454 kg bomb in South Vietnam. VAH-4 Det.G was assigned to Attack Carrier Wing 16 (CVW-16) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) for a deployment to Vietnam from 5 April to 16 December 1965.

(USN)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo 138955) of heavy attack squadron VAH-9 Hoot Owls (tail code FG) pictured on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 1957.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior (BuNo 135440) parked at an unidentified airfield in 1956. This aircraft was lost in an accident in July 1959 while in service with Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-1

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 146452) from Fleet Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-1 Det.64 World Watchers in flight over the South China Sea. VQ-1 Det.64 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) aboard the aircraft carrrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) for a deployment to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean from 21 June to 23 December 1974.

(USN Photo)

Two EA-3B Skywarrior aircraft from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VQ-2) fly past Gibraltar., 6/20/1991. PH3 Franklin P. Call, USN. The EA-3B variant was assigned to fleet reconnaissance squadrons.

(USN Photo)

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 34 (VAQ-34) EA-3B Skywarrior aircraft taxiing along the flight line at Naval Air Station, Dallas State: Texas.

(USN Photo)

A Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior (BuNo 135422) at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida (USA). The photo must have been taken before 1955, when light gray ("gull gray") for tops and sides and white for undersides became standard camouflage for all U.S. Navy combat aircraft. This aircraft was lost in an accident while in service with the training squadron (fleet replacement squadron) VAH-3 Sea Dragons in May 1960. Two Grumman S2F Trackers (right) and a Grumman AF Guardian (left) are visible in the background.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior of Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-1 "Smokin' Tigers" flying somewhere in the Mediterranean area. VAH-1 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 1 (CVG-1) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 15 January to 22 July 1957. Note that the leading aircraft is not fitted with the 20 mm tail guns.

(USN Photos)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo. 138903) refuels a Grumman F9F-7 Cougar (BuNo 141043) during refueling equipment tests in the mid-1950s. The internal pipe remained attached to drogue when the F9F disconnected. The pilot of the A3D during this flight was test pilot Drury Wood. The A3D 138903 later crashed at Edwards Air Force Base, California (USA), during autopilot tests, in January 1958.

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A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-1 Sykwarrior (BuNo 130353) under flight test in the mid-1950s. This aircraft was later converted to an NA-3A and lost in a ground collision on 27 October 1964.

(USN Photo)

Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior, 353.

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A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior (BuNo 135432) of heavy attack squadron VAH-3 Sea Dragons (tail code EW) pictured moments before trapping on board the carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 1957. The A3D-1 135432 was scrapped at the NARF Alameda in August 1968.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 138947) of Heavy Attack Squadron 10 (VAH-10) "Vikings", Detachment Bravo, hits the crash barrier aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64). VAH-10 Det.B was assigned to Carrier Air Group 14 (CVG-14) aboard the Constellation for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 21 February to 10 September 1963. 138947 crashed due to a structural failure during a launch from USS Oriskany on 25 May 1965 while in service with VAH-2. All four crewmembers were recovered.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo 138926) of Heavy Attack Squadron 5 (VAH-5) "Savage Sons" landing at Naval Air Station Port Lyautey, Morocco. VAH-5 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 10 (CVG-10) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal fo the Mediterranean Sea from 11 July 1958 to 12 March 1959.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas TA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 144861) of Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadron 3 (RVAH-3) on the ground at Naval Air Station Sanford, Florida (USA). This aircraft crashed on 8 August 1973 near NAS Albany, Georgia, after an engine failed due to a hot oil leak. The crew bailed out.

(USN Photo)

The only U.S. Navy Douglas VA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142672) VIP-transport built on the ground at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada (USA). It was used by the Chief of Naval Operations until retired to the MASDC as 2A0098 on 9 April 1974. Note the Admiral's flag above the cockpit. Note:LCdr. Dwight I. Worrell flew this aircraft between 1968 and 1971. He flew the CNO and other high ranking officials around the world.

(Dick Gilbert Photo)

Douglas A-3B Skywarrior 144857. It was one of two modified as a VIP transport, so was effectively an "Admiral's Barge". An unusual executive jet.

(USN Photo)

A Douglas NRA-3B Skywarrior aircraft (BuNo 144834) equipped with electronic warfare (jammer) pods, with its wing folded up at the Pacific Missile Test Center, Point Mugu (California, USA), on 5 Apr 1982.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior of Heavy Attack Squadron 4 (VAH-4) Det.C Fourrunners detaches at the end of roll-out during landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) during that carrier's deployment to Vietnam from 19 October 1965 to 13 June 1966. The U.S. Navy experimented with aircraft camouflage and painted half of the aircraft of Attack Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) with dark green colours to blend in with the Vietnamese jungle. The results proved inconclusive for the U.S. Navy, whereas the U.S. Air Force concluded that the camouflage was effective. U.S. Navy planes would not be camouflaged until the 1980s.

(USN Photo)

A camouflaged U.S. Navy Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior aircraft of reconnaissance squadron VAP-61 World Recorders (BuNo 144846) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Agana, Guam. Standing beside it are PH1c R. Laurie, LTJG D. Schwikert and LCDR Chas. D. Litford. On the ground in front of them are twelve cameras. VAP-61 was performed reconnaissance missions over Vietnam until it was disestablished on 1 July 1971. 144846 became an ERA-3B in 1982.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F-4B-12-MC Phantom II (BuNo 150416) from Fighter Squadron VF-142 Ghostriders and a Douglas A-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 138955) from Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-10 Vikings in flight. Both squadrons were assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) for a deployment to the Western Pacific and Vietnam from 5 May 1964 to 1 February 1965.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy North American RA-5C Vigilante (BuNo 149307) from Heavy Reconnaissance Squadron RVAH-5 Savage Sons and a Douglas A-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 147659) from Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-2 Det.M Royal Rampants are readied for launching on the waist catapults of the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61). Both squadrons were assigned for Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) aboard the Ranger for a deployment to Vietnam from 5 August 1964 to 6 May 1965. The RA-5C 149307 was retired to the MASDC as 4A0003 on 23 August 1970, the (later converted) EKA-3B 147659 as 2A0079 on 16 October 1973.

(USN Photo)

Aircraft of the U.S. Navy Attack Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) in flight in August 1963. CVW-14 was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 21 February to 10 September 1963. The following aircraft are visible (l-r): a McDonnell F-4B Phantom II (BuNo 149439, NK-312) from Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) "Pukin' Dogs"; a Douglas A-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 138966, NK-210) from Heavy Attack Squadron 10 (VAH-10) "Vikings"; a Vought F-8E Crusader (BuNo 149187, NK-107) from VF-141 "Iron Angels" (redesignated VF-53, 20 December 1963); two Douglas A-4C Skyhawk (BuNos 149562, NK-605; 149567, NK-608) from Attack Squadron 146 (VA-146) "Blue Diamonds"; two Douglas A-1 Skyraider (A-1H BuNo 139778, NK-501; A-1J BuNo 142036, NK-511) from VA-145 "Swordsmen"; a Grumman E-1B Tracer (BuNo 148143, RR-785) from Airborne Early Warning Squadron 11 (VAW-11) Det.F "Early Eleven".

(USN Photo)

U.S. Navy and Royal Navy aircraft during aerial refueling in 1962-1963. The U.S. Navy aircraft are from Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8) which was deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) to the Mediterranean Sea from 3 August 1962 to 2 March 1963 (l-r): A McDonnell F4H-1 Phantom II from Fighter Squadron VF-74 Be-Devilers; a Vought F8U-2 Crusader (BuNo 146909) from VF-103 Sluggers; a F8U-1P (BuNo 146895) from Light Photographic Squadron VFP-62 Det.59 Fighting Photos; a Douglas A4D-2N Skyhawk (BuNo 147801) from Attack Squadron VA-83 Rampagers; and a Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo 142661) from Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-11 Det.59 Checkertails. Two Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft from HMS Hermes (R12) are lining up for refueling (l-r): a Supermarine Scimitar F.1 (serial XD244) from 803 Naval Air Squadron, and a De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.1 from 892 NAS.

(USN Photos)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo 142661) from Heavy Attack Squadron 5 (VAH-5), Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8), from USS Forrestal (CVA-59) refueling a Royal Navy Supermarine Scimitar F.1 (s/n XD327) of 803 Naval Air Squadron from HMS Hermes (R12) in 1962-63. The aircraft are accompanied by a Douglas A4D-2N Skyhawk (BuNo 147801) from Attack Squadron 83 (VA-83) Rampagers.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A-4B Skyhawk (BuNo 142700) of Attack Squadron VA-216 Black Diamonds refuels an Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-2 Batmen. Both squadrons were part of Attack Carrier Air Wing (CVW-3) stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during her deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 2 May to 6 December 1967.

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A VA-3B Skywarrior aircraft from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (VQ-1) is launched from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70).

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A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo 138953) from Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-11 Checkertails landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA-62), c1960. VAH-11 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42). The photo was probably taken inthe Mediterranean Sea, where both carriers often operated during the early 1960s. Note the Piasecki HUP Retriever plane guard helicopter from Helicopter Utility Squadron HU-2 Fleet Angels which operated from the Independence until 1963.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Naval Air Reserve Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142662) of aerial refueling squadron VAK-308, Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 (CVWR-30), landing on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-61) in 1986. Note the whale painted on the tail fin, as the nickname of the A-3 was "whale".

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo 138948) of heavy attack squadron VAH-9 Hoot Owls launches from the waist catapult of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60), during the NATO exercise "Operation Strikeback", in September-October 1957. A McDonnell F3H-2M (BuNo 137053) from fighter squadron VF-61 Jolly Rogers is positioned on the catapult while a Douglas F4D-1 Skyray of VF-101 Grim Reapers is waiting to be launched.

(Rob Schleiffert Photo)

Dougals KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo. 147657) of VAK-208, 13 June 1988.

(USN Photo)

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photo)

A U.S. Naval Air Reserve Dougals KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo. 147657) of Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron VAK-208 during a touch and go landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), in 1985.

147657 - Southern Utah Air Museum, Washington, Utah.

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(Acroterion Photo)

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photo)
147648 – Naval Air Station Key West, Boca Chica Key, Florida.

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A U.S. Navy Reserve Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 147666) of Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron VAK-308 with in flight with a Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo. 152850) of Composite Squadron VC-12 near Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

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A U.S. Navy Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 147663) from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron VAQ-135 Det.1 Black Ravens prepares to refuel three McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II fighters (BuNo 153896, 155561, 157283) from Fighter Squadron VF-41 Black Aces. All aircraft were assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 6 (CVW-6) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 29 January to 28 July 1971.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 147660) from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron VAQ-133 Wizards in flight. VAQ-133 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) for a deployment to Vietnam from 6 November 1970 to 17 July 1971.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 147663) from Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-13 Det.66 Zappers in a in a hangar at Naval Air Station Alameda, California (USA). The aircraft was attached to Attack Carrier Wing 6 (CVW-6) aboard the aircraft carrier USS America (CVA-66) for a deployment to Vietnam from 10 April to 16 December 1968.

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A U.S. Navy McDonnell F-4J-35-MC Phantom II (BuNo 155787) from Fighter Squadron VF-96 Fighting Falcons being refueled by a Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 147660) from Electronic Countermeasures Squadron VAQ-130 Det.1 Zappers over the Gulf of Tonkin. Both squadrons were assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) for a deployment to Vietnam from 1 October 1971 to 1 July 1972.

(USN Photo)

A drag chute opens as an Douglas ERA-3B Skywarrior aircraft of VAQ-34 lands during the U.S. 3rd Fleet North Pacific Exercise (NORPACEX) at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska (USA), on 8 November 1987.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 147663) of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron VAQ-135 Det.1 "Black Ravens" in flight. VAQ-135 Det.1 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 6 (CVW-6) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 29 January to 28 July 1971. 147663 was finally retired to the MASDC as 2A0114 on 14 June 1978. This photo was taken by the side camera of an RF-8G “Photo Crusader” from VFP-63 Det. 42, also from Carrier Air Wing 6.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142249) from Heavy Attack Squadron 10 (VAH-10) Det.42 "Vikings" flies past the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42). VAH-10 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) aboard the FDR for a deployment to Vietnam from 21 June 1966 to 21 February 1967.

(USN Photo)

A Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior tanker aircraft (BuNo. 142664) of Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-4 Det. B "Fourrunners" in flight. The DVIC gives the date the photo was taken with "16 March 1985". However, VAH-4 was redesignated VAQ-131 on 1 November 1968, and was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) for the deployment from 5 January 1967 to 22 July 1967 to Vietnam (the carrier's name is visible on the plane). VAH-4 kept its tail code "ZB" during that deployment, although CVW-5´s tail code was "NF".

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A U.S. Naval Air Reserve Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 147667) from Electronic Countermeasures Squadron VAQ-208 refueling four McDonnell F-4N Phantom II fighers, tow each from Fighter Squadron VF-201 and VF-202 near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada (USA). All aircraft were assigned to Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20).

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A U.S. Naval Air Reserve Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 138929) of Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron VAQ-308 Griffins refueling a Ling-Temco-Vought A-7A-4b-CV Corsair II from Attack Squadron VA-303 Golden Hawks. Both aircraft were assigned to Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 (CVWR-30), the A-7 being the aircraft of the Air Group Comander (CAG).

(USN Photo)

U.S. Navy flight deck crewmen perform a preflight check on a Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 147995) of U.S. Naval Reserve aerial refueling squadron VAK-208 Jockeys aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on 15 September 1985. The Douglas A-3B 147665 was converted to an KA-3B in June 1967, to an EKA-3B in July 1967, and back to an KA-3B in February 1976.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 138925) from the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland (USA), refueling the first McDonnell Douglas YF-18A Hornet (BuNo 160775), in April 1979. A McDonnell F-4J-30-MC Phantom II (BuNo 153812) chase plane is flying in the foreground.

(USN Photo)

Three U.S. Navy aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in flight off Vietnam in October 1969: A Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142654) from Electronic Countermeasures Squadron 130 (VAQ-130) Det. 31 "Zappers", a Douglas A-4F Skyhawk of Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22) "Fighting Redcocks", and a Vought F-8J Crusader (BuNo 150672) of Fighter Squadron 53 (VF-53) "Iron Angels".

(RuthAS Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142651) of VAQ-135 Det.2 at Athens Airport, Greece, in 1973. VAQ-135 Det.2 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 22 September 1972 to 6 July 1973. 142651 was retired after this cruise to the MASDC as 2A0076 on 23 August 1973.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior of Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VAP-61 "World Recorders" landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63), circa 1968. This Skywarrior was used for night reconnaissance over Vietnam.

(USN Photo)

A Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo. 144828) aircraft of reconnaissance squadron VAP-61 with a display of the camera equipment used aboard it during aerial photographic missions at Naval Air Station Agana, Guam, on 1 Jan 1965. This plane crashed on 16 Jun 1967 after an inflight fire.

(Rob Schleiffurt Photo)

Douglas NRA-3B Skywarrior landing at NAS North Island on 4 June 1999. Operated by Raytheon from Van Nuys airport near Los Angeles. Former 144825 of the US Navy. The photo was taken in the morning with the sun on the wrong side. On that day VQ-5 (ES-3A) was disestablished and the Whale was the special guest star for the ceremony. N578HA was once based at PMTC Point Mugu with a very fat nose and called 'Snoopy'. It made its last flight on 29 April 2011 to NAS Whidbey Island and was restored to full Navy colours and put on display.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 144835) of Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VAP-61 in flight. 144835 was later shot down by flak during a reconnaissance mission over the Nghe An Province, North Vietnam, on 25 August 1967. The crew was killed.

(Kurt Finger Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior of Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 61 (VAP-61) at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia, in the 1960s.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior of Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VAP-61 "World Recorders" aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64), circa 1968-69. This Skywarrior was used for night reconnaissance.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior of Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VAP-61 "World Recorders" in flight. This Skywarrior was used for night reconnaissance over Vietnam.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2P Skywarrior (BuNo 144843) from Heavy Photographic Squadron 62 (VAP-62) in flight in the late 1950s. Note that the aircraft is still equipped with the gun turret.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior aircraft (BuNo 144834) from a Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (VQ-1) "World Watchers" in flight in 1974. In July 1974, this aircraft was converted to an NRA-3B test aircraft. In July 1985 it became an TNRA-3B, and it was retired to the AMARC as 2A0125 on 7 September 1990.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 144828) of Heavy Reconnaissance Squadron VAP-61 preparing to launch from the deck of an unidentified carrier. Note the bridle and frangibleand what appears to be 65 mission markers. 144828 crashed on 16 June 1967 after an inflight fire.

(USN Photo)

A Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior (U.S. Navy BuNo 144843) at White Sands while in use by the U.S. Army. This aircraft was bailed to Raytheon in 1978 and used tests of the MIM-104 Patriot missile.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas VA-3B Skywarrior aircraft (BuNo 142672) from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-1 World Watchers is readied for launch from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). The aircraft was assigned as a transport plane to the Commander United States Pacific Fleet. It was lost on 23 January 1985 circa 200 km NNW of Guam, probably due to a dual air turbine motor malfunction. The nine crew and passengers were killed, among them the VQ-1 CO, Cdr. John T. Mitchell.

(USN Photo)

The only U.S. Navy Douglas VA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142672) VIP-transport built on the ground at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada (USA). It was used by the Chief of Naval Operations until retired to the MASDC as 2A0098 on 9 April 1974. Note the Admiral's flag above the cockpit. Note:LCdr. Dwight I. Worrell flew this aircraft between 1968 and 1971. He flew the CNO and other high ranking officials around the world.

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photo)

Douglas UA-3B Skywarrior, AQ-34. Note the Red star marking indicating its aggressor role. This aircraft ended its days at AMARC.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas UA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 144834) of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VQ-2) with the starboard forward camera window plated over following damage incurred during a night landing aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43) on 31 October 1987 when a 34 kg lead ballast weight broke lose. Pilot was LTJG Dasher and NFO was LCDR Greg Cassady, USNR. VQ-2 was based at Naval Air Station Rota, Spain. This aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Navy as an RA-3B reconnaissance plane. Later it was converted for use at the Pacific Missile Test Center (PTMC) at Point Mugu, California (USA) and was designated NRA-3B and later TNRA-3B. Its final designation became UA-3B and the aircraft served with reconnaissance squadron VQ-2 (shown here) and electronic warfare squadron VAQ-34. The plane was finally retired in August 1990.

(USN Photo)

An XAIM-54A Phoenix air-to-air missile is launched from the Douglas NA-3A Skywarrior (BuNo 135427), which was used as a testbed, on 8 September 1966. A Grumman F-9J Cougar is visible in the background. Note that the NA-3A has been fitted with an AWG-9 radar.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas NA-3A Skywarrior (BuNo 135411) in flight from the Naval Missile Center Point Mugu, California (USA). This aircraft was bailed to Hughes Aircraft Company and fitted with an AWG-9 radar for tests of the AIM-54 Phoenix missile. It was finally retired to the MASDC as 2A0107 on 17 January 1975.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A-3 Skywarrior aircraft on the ground at Naval Missile Center, Point Mugu, California (USA). Three aircraft are visible: A-3A BuNo 135409, this aircraft was retired to the MASDC as 2A0103 on 7 July 1974; EA-3A BuNo 130361 or 130363 NA-3B NuNo 138938, this aircraft was retired to the MASDC as 2A0116 on 6 May 1987.

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Douglas A-3 Skywarriors preserved

XA3D-1

(Beyond My Ken Photo)
125413 – Fulton County Airport, Johnstown, New York.

A-3A

(Flight Test Historical Foundation Photo)
135434 – Restored in September 2011 by members of Naval Air Reserve PatrolSquadron 65 (VP-65) based at Naval Air Station Point Mugu. Aircraft displayed at the Edwards Air Force Flight Test Center Museum, Edwards Air Force Base, California.

NA-3A

(Bill Larkins Photo)

Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior (BuNo. 135418) at San Francisco, California. This aircraft is now preserved in the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, Florida.

(Tomas Del Coro Photo)
135418 – National Naval Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

YEA-3A

(Mike Freer - Touchdown Aviation Photo)

(Eric Salard Photo)

(aeroprints Photo)

(Author Photo)

130361 – Pima Air and Space Museum (adjacent to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base),Tucson, Arizona.

A-3B

(Cliff Photo)

(Carol M. Highsmith Photo)
142246 – New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

EA-3B

(NSA Photo)
146448 – National Cryptologic Museum, National Vigilance Park, Fort Meade, Maryland.

(Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum Photo)

(Aaronx Photo)

(RadioFan Photo)

(Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Ebalo, USN Photo)
146457 – Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, USS Yorktown, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

(Glenn Chatfield Photo)
144865 - National Naval Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida,(last flyable A-3 Skywarrior)

KA-3B

‍

(USN Photo)

Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo. 138944). The aircraft was used by the Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 34 (VAQ-34), Naval Air Station, Point Mugu, California, 9 March 1983. The KA-3B variant was used with the probe-and-drogue system in place of a bombing unit.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas EA-4F Skyhawk (BuNo 152852) from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron VAQ-33 Firebirds flies formation on a KA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 138944) from VAQ-34 Electric Horsemen during exerciye "Fleet Readiex 83-4" against Task Force 175 near San Diego, California (USA). Flying lead was the Commanding Officer of VAQ-34, CDR John E. Millward with crew members LCDR Don Greaser and PO1c J. D. Deal. Awaiting tanker services in "Firebird-08" was LT Robert W. Makowski and ECM operator LTJG Richard M. Buchter.

(Alan Wilson Photo)

(Articseahorse Photo)

(Author Photos)

138944 – USS Lexington Museum, Corpus Christi, Texas

(Alan Wilson Photo)
147666 – Oakland Aviation Museum in Oakland, California.

NA-3B
142630 – Celebrity Row, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona.

EKA-3B

(Eddie Mloney Photo)

(Greg Goebel Photo)

(Author Photo)
142251 – USS Midway Museum, San Diego, California.

NEA-3B

(hummerstation Photo)
144865 – National Naval Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

NRA-3B

(USN Photo)

Douglas A-3 Skywarrior (BuNo. 144825) deploys its parachute during a landing at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
144825 – A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey Memorial Foundation, Naval Air Station WhidbeyIsland, Washington.

Being restored

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EA-3B

(Aaronx Photo)
146453 – Vintage Flying Museum, Meacham Field, Fort Worth, Texas.

KA-3B

(Alan Wilson Photo)
138965 – Yanks Air Museum, Chino, California.

ERA-3B

(Clemens Vasters Photos)

(kitmasterbloke Photo)

(Alan Wilson Photo)
144843 – Castle Air Museum (former Castle Air Force Base), Atwater, California.

NTA-3B

(USN Photo)

A barge crane lifts a Douglas NTA-3B to the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) at Naval Base San Diego. The aircraft will be transported to the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor. This aircraft (BuNo 144867) served as a TA-3B bomber and navigator trainer until used by Raytheon/Hughes Aeronautical system as NTA-3B for testing of the AN/AWG-9 and AN/AWG-71 radars (civil registrations N577HA and N877RS). 8 Feb 2012.

(JMesserly Photos)

(Bernard Spragg Photos)
144867 – Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. 2012.

(Tony Hisgett Photos)

144867 – Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. 2016.Douglas A-3 Skywarrior