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Douglas A-3 Skywarrior

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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.

The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior "Whale" was the largest U.S. Navy carrier-based aircraft.

Early during W. W. II the U.S. Navy began to explore the concept of jet powered aircraft large enough to provide for strategic bombing capability operating from carriers.

In Jan. of 1948 the Navy issued a requirement for the development of a long range carrier based attack aircraft that could carry a 10,000 lb. bomb.

On Sept. 29, 1949 the Navy awarded a contract to Douglas Aircraft for the production and development of the A-3 Skywarrior.

The Navy purchased 282 Douglas A-3 Skywarrior aircraft between 1954 and 1961.

Some Skywarriors were employed over Vietnam and later in the 1991 Gulf War.

Skywarrior variants were used for attack, in-flight refueling, training, reconnaissance and for electronic warfare and countermeasures.

The United States Air Force used a version of the A-3. It saw action in the Vietnam war, primarily as a bomber.

Other U.S.A.F. versions were used for electronic countermeasures and for reconnaissance.

A total of 576 Douglas A-3 Skywarrior aircraft of all types were produced.


Specifications

        Primary Function:
        Crew:
        Engines:
        Thrust:
        Weight Empty:
        Max. Weight:
        Cannons:
        Payload:
        Length:
        Wingspan:
        Cruise Speed:
        Max. Speed:
        Climb Rate:
        Ceiling:
        Range:
        First Flight:
        Year Deployed:
attack/bomber
3 to 7
P&W J57
2- 10,500 lbs ea.
39,400 lbs.
82,000 lbs.
2- 20mm in tail
12,000 lbs.
76' 4:
72' 6"
520 mph
610 mph
3,600 fpm
41,000 feet
2,100 miles
10/28/52
1954



Radio Control Airplane
A rc A-3 Skywarrior from Chris Golds plans.


Radio Control Airplanes:




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For rc modelers who like jets, the rc Douglas A-3 Skywarrior makes an interesting scale model rc airplane. However, we have not seen many modeled.

Pictured above is the A-3 Skywarrior rc built from Chris Golds Plans. It has a wingspan of 60" and a length of 58". Recommended power comes from a pair of Plettenberg HP 200/25/4 motors driving WeMoTec 480 Mini Fans. All up weight is around 7 lbs.

The first picture below is of the rc Douglas A-3 Skywarrior built by Roy Smith from Upland, California. It has a wingspan of 49" and a length of 50.5". Powering it are a pair of HET EDF 3W motors driving HET 6904 fans. Approximate weight is 4.4 lbs.

The next picture below is the rc A-3 Skywarrior built by Robert Shepherd. Wingspan is 47" and length is 48". Two Jet Screamer motors driving XF fans power it. It is built from Depron foam. All up weight is 34 oz.

Please email us if you have built a A-3 Skywarrior rc, or can recommend one.


Radio Control Airplane
A rc A-3 Skywarrior built by Roy Smith.


Radio Control Airplane

Robert Shepherd's rc A-3 Skywarrior.