The prototype,
XA3D-1 (BuNo 125412) was first flown on Oct. 28, 1952 at Edwards Air Force Base, Ca.
The A-3 was commissioned by the Navy and first delivered to active duty on March 31, 1956.
After 39 years of faithful service, the A-3 Skywarrior was decommissioned during a
ceremony at Naval Air Station Key West, Fl. on Sept. 30, 1991. But even now, in 2003, A-3s
are still flying with Raytheon as test bed aircraft. It is a testament to the A-3's
versatility and ruggedness that it is still in the air, 50 years later since that first flight.
The information provided here relies
heavily on first hand experience with the aircraft, provided by the A-3 Assoc. members.
Some details were obtained from the books by Rene Francillon, Douglas A-3 Skywarrior
and McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920.
The members of the A-3 Association
and other 'Ole Whalers' have contributed much to this web-site by their participation and
interest. These contributions are so credited and greatly appreciated. New information and
updates related to the 'whale' are welcome.
Please sign the guest book or
contact us for more
information.
