In May 1963, a Douglas A-3 Skywarrior heavy bomber experienced a dramatic landing failure on the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), where its nose gear collapsed upon touchdown. After the gear broke off and went overboard, the pilot skillfully took off again, circling to prepare for a second, controlled crash landing into an emergency barricade, resulting in no injuries to the crew. #dramatic #skill #airplane #watch #video | Ships & Models by Erick Navas

Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are looking at the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior, affectionately known as 'The Whale.' Originally developed in 1949 as a nuclear bomber for the Navy, this aircraft set a new standard for size and capability. At the time, the Whale design held the distinction of being the largest operational aircraft ever launched from an aircraft carrier. Its first flight took place in 1952, and it was officially commissioned into the fleet in 1956, with a total of 282 units being

The Douglas A3D/NTA-3B Skywarrior (bomber) was the largest operational aircraft to land and take off from an aircraft carrier, which contributed to its nickname, “whale”! | Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum