In 1953, [[North American Aviation]] began plans for a supersonic carrier-based bomber which could deliver nuclear weapons at long range. The [[United States Navy]], in need of an aircraft to replace the [[A-3 Skywarrior]], contracted the company to build it in 1956; the first prototype was two years and two days later in 1958. Although a large, unwieldy aircraft, it was surprisingly fast and maneuverable. It also featured a 'linear bomb bay', where the [[bomb]] was ejected back from the bomb bay at the same speed of the aircraft. This obliviated the need for forward-looking bombsights. It was equipped with a downward-firing [[ejection seat]]. | In 1953, [[North American Aviation]] began plans for a supersonic carrier-based bomber which could deliver nuclear weapons at long range. The [[United States Navy]], in need of an aircraft to replace the [[A-3 Skywarrior]], contracted the company to build it in 1956; the first prototype was two years and two days later in 1958. Although a large, unwieldy aircraft, it was surprisingly fast and maneuverable. It also featured a 'linear bomb bay', where the [[bomb]] was ejected back from the bomb bay at the same speed of the aircraft. This obliviated the need for forward-looking bombsights. It was equipped with a downward-firing [[ejection seat]]. |