1/72 EA-3B Sky Warrior 1st Recon.

Description

This is an injection-plastic jet aircraft model kit.

Contains parts molded in light grey and clear plastic and includes decals.

From the manufacturer:

Designed with nuclear attack capability in mind, the A-3 Skywarrior was one of the largest and heaviest aircraft to ever operate from an aircraft carrier. Known as the “whale,” the Skywarrior was in service with the U.S. Navy for over 30 years, seeing action as a bomber, tanker, electronic warfare platform, transport, recon. plane and in other roles. North American and Douglas entered the Navy’s competition to create a nuclear-capable carrier-based strategic bomber in 1947, and Douglas won a contract to produce prototypes on March 31, 1949.

The original prototype first flew on October 28, 1952 powered by J-40 engines, but their poor performance led to cancellation of the project and production aircraft were powered by 9,700 lb. static thrust Pratt & Whitney J-57-P-6s. These engines were mounted in underwing pods. Both the main wings and vertical stabilizer of the aircraft folded hydraulically for on-board storage.