The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior was a large, carrier-capable, twin-jet aircraft built for the U.S. Navy in the early Cold War era. Designed originally as a strategic bomber able to carry nuclear weapons from aircraft carriers, it evolved into a versatile workhorse performing tanker, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and conventional attack roles. Because of its size and payload, sailors often nicknamed it the “Whale.”
 
General Information:
Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company (later McDonnell Douglas)
Role (original): Carrier-based strategic bomber (later: tanker, ECM, recon, transport)
First flight: Early 1950s (development and service began in the 1950s)
Crew: Typically 3 (pilot, navigator/bombardier, radio/crewman) depending on variant
Notable nicknames: “Whale”