A-3 SKYWARRIOR ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1998, the purpose of this association is to provide an ongoing, fraternal-social affiliation of individuals who have flown in, maintained, fostered, encouraged, and supported the memory of the A-3 “Skywarrior” aircraft, and who are dedicated to the perpetuation of the legend, history, traditions, and camaraderie associated with it. The A-3 Skywarrior Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.
THE WHALE
The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior — descriptively nicknamed the “Whale”— was the largest combat aircraft routinely catapulted off and recovered on the deck of an aircraft carrier. Originally designed for nuclear bombing missions, over 35 years of service saw its many uses include attack bombing, aerial refueling, carrier onboard delivery, jamming, photo-reconnaissance, electronic surveillance, VIP transport and aggressor training.
EXPLORE
Please spend some time exploring our website for more information on the association and its activities, including to how to become a member. For inquiring minds, there’s also a wealth of historical photos and data.
AIRCRAFT STATS
Type
Naval Heavy Attack Bomber
Manufacturer
Douglas
Powerplant
Two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-10 Turbojets rated at 10,480 lbs thrust (46.71 kN) Dry and 12,375 lbs thrust (55.16 kN) with water injection
Maximum Speed
609 mph (982 km/h) at 10,000 ft (3,050 m)
Range
2895 miles (4667 km)
Service Ceiling
41,000 ft (12,495 m)
Weights
Empty 39,327 lbs (17,876 kg)
Loaded 69,854 lbs (31,752 kg)
Maximum overload take-‐off 81,830 lbs (37,195 kg)
Armament
Twin 20-mm tail cannon
Dimensions
Span: 72 ft 6 in (22.10 m)
Length: 76 ft 4 in (23.27 m)
Height: 22 ft 9 in (6.95 m)
Wing area: 812 sq ft (75.43m2)
A-3 Items to Donate
Do you have A-3 Skywarrior associated items and material you wish to donate for future display and/or storage?
The Oakland Aviation Museum, in Oakland, California has agreed to host housing such artifacts.
Please contact the museum to discuss the nature of items you would like to send them before shipping at:
(510) 638-7100
Mr. John Horton, Museum President
Mr. Ian Wright, Director of Operations
OAKLAND AVIATION MUSEUM
8252 Earhart Road
Oakland, CA 94621
