Douglas A-3 Skywarrior VAP-61 Airplane Model

VAP-61 A-3 Skywarrior airplane model. Douglas started designing the airplane in 1947, after the U.S. Navy commissioned studies to determine whether it was possible to overcome weight problems and build a carrier-based strategic bomber. The project was challenging because anything to do with nuclear armament was top secret, and designers had to guess the appearance and weight of the nuclear bombs to be carried aboard. Moreover, the internal bomb bay had to be accessible from the cockpit, so the crew could arm the nuclear device during flight. The basic airframe/avonics has been modified over its lifespan to include missions such as electronic warfare, aerial tanker, photo reconn, VIP transport and cargo transport.

Mahogany Wood. Scale: 1/48. Wingspan 18 inches, Length 18 1/2 inches.