Twin Sisters.

[dodgy-alan 1,587]

The Douglas A3D and B66 began life in 1947 as a requirement from the US Navy for a long range strike aircraft. The prototype first flew in 1952 powered by 2 Westinghouse J40 engines, these however proved unreliable and the aircraft was re-engined with the Pratt and Whitney J57. This proved an excellent combination and the production A3D Skywarrior began service in 1953. It became the heaviest strike aircraft ever to launch from a carrier, weighing in at 31 tons! One aircraft west an endurance record for naval aircraft by flying from Honolulu to New Mexico in 5hr 40mins at an average speed of 570mph, The US Navy now had an aircraft capable of reaching almost any point in Russia! The performance of this aircraft was noticed by the USAF who requested their own version to replace the elderly A26 Invader. First entering service in 1955/56 the B66 Destroyer was produced in various versions from strike to electronic warfare. Many were designated WB66 indicating weather recconaisance, their true role was somewhat more secretive however! Another role they took on in Vietnam was to act as lead ship/pathfinder for squadrons of fighter bombers on attack missions. Both aircraft remained in service until the late 1960s ......... 
A3D Skywarrior 











B66 Destroyer 









EB66, Elecrtronic warfare aircraft, distinguished by its longer tailcone and a plethora of antennas underneath. 

Thanks for viewing

 

[dodgy-alan 1,587]

No idea why this topic loaded twice, must be a glich in the system. If one of the mods would like to remove one of them I'd be grateful please.

[Andrew Godden 943]

No idea why this topic loaded twice, must be a glich in the system. If one of the mods would like to remove one of them I'd be grateful please.

Fixed Alan.

Nice post by the way. I have the A3D in long term storage and you have prompted me to get it out for a fly.

Cheers

Andrew

[dodgy-alan 1,587]

Thanks for doing that Andrew.

[hurricanemk1c 195]

Nice shots Alan!

[brett 2,315]

Interesting stuff and great pic's.   I would guess the Russians weren't too happy about it's range at the time!   

[dodgy-alan 1,587]

Interesting stuff and great pic's.   I would guess the Russians weren't too happy about it's range at the time!   

 

It certainly was an impressive aircraft, I saw one at Greenham Common Airshow many years ago, got a photo somewhere. Oddly enough, this was in the 70s when most sources seem to indicate that the aircraft was retired in the mid 60s, Maybe it was a Naval Reserve or ANG unit. I'll have to dig out the photo.