Skywarrior

Skywarrior most commonly refers to the Grumman A-3 Skywarrior, a carrier-based jet bomber developed for the United States Navy in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for its large size and payload, it earned the nickname Whale and served as a primary all-weather attack aircraft aboard U.S. Navy carriers from the early 1960s into the 1990s. The aircraft was originally designated A3D Skywarrior and redesignated A-3 in 1962 under the Tri-Service designation; it spawned multiple variants used for attack, electronic warfare, and aerial refueling.

Design and capabilities: The Skywarrior was designed to operate from aircraft carriers, with a robust airframe and a large payload bay. It typically carried a four-person crew and possessed the range and payload to carry conventional bombs, nuclear weapons, or specialized equipment depending on variant. Variants included the A-3A, A-3B, and A-3C for attack; the EA-3B electronic warfare version; and the KA-3B tanker for aerial refueling.

Operational history: The A-3 saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, performing bombing missions, close air support, reconnaissance, and later electronic warfare and training missions. The design remained in Navy service for several decades, with the EA-3B and KA-3B variants continuing in specialized roles into the late 1980s and early 1990s before retirement.

Operators: United States Navy.