Coded 18 with USN unit VQ-2 this reconaissance Skywarrior was arriving on a weekday before the 76 Air Tattoo. Ed Heinemann's brilliance and weight control discipline got the US Navy a carrier based strategic nuclear bomber. Pan Am looked into leasing a couple around 1957 to give their crews transonic operating experience before the 707 arrived,but nothing came of it.

The A3D-2Q, later redesignated EA-3B, had windows for its four electronic warfare crew, making it look like the coolest private jet I could think of. However, the A3D did not have ejection seats even for its three cockpit crew and was morbidly nicknamed 'All Three Dead'.

Operated by VQ-2 Squadron.

Always an impressive type to see, the A-3 was never common in the UK but this one took a break from its ELINT duties to fly up from VQ-2 at Rota in Spain for the 77 Air Tattoo. Damaged during a carrier launch in 9.87 and retired to AMARC in 11.90. Rear fuselage apparently used to repair another damaged aircraft, 144856

An unusual overnight visitor in Sydney's GA park.