Douglas TA-3B Skywarrior

The Douglas TA‑3B Skywarrior was a naval variant of the legendary A‑3 Skywarrior, developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company in the early 1950s for the United States Navy. Originally conceived as a carrier‑based strategic bomber, the airframe proved versatile and was adapted into a dedicated aerial‑refueler, electronic‑counter‑measures platform, and radar‑training aircraft. The TA‑3B entered service in 1956, featuring a robust 53‑foot wingspan, twin Pratt & Whitney J57‑21 turbo‑jets delivering 16,000 lbf of thrust, and a reinforced, low‑squat fuselage capable of withstanding the stresses of carrier catapult launches and high‑speed deck landings. Its spacious interior accommodated up to 22,000 pounds of fuel or electronic equipment, while the cockpit employed a single‑seat layout with advanced analog flight‑control instrumentation for its era. Over three decades, the TA‑3B supported fleet operations during the Cold War, providing in‑flight refueling for fighter and attack aircraft, and serving as a testbed for emerging avionics. The aircraft’s durability, adaptability, and carrier‑compatible design marked a turning point in naval aviation, demonstrating that a single airframe could fulfill multiple strategic roles and extending the operational lifespan of carrier‑borne fleets throughout its service life.

Douglas

Douglas TA-3B Skywarrior

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Design & Classification