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From what I have read the first production A3D-1’s were converted to A3D-1Q’s and the bombays were shut. I think they were welded shut to accomodate ECM equipment and monitoring stations. Yet obviously, from these photos c.1959 the bombay doors were opened. Does anyone know why the bombay doors were opened….maybe some were welded shut, and others were allowed to open for greater access to ECM stations (and perhaps a method of egress in an emergency?)? I don’t think the doors would be opened if unpressurized ECM stations were installed, but others may know more.
Thank you for any information.
By: Farmgate - 24th May 2013 at 13:02
I agree. Note in picture that only the left door is down, probably to ventilate.
By: CIRCUS 6 - 24th May 2013 at 05:38
I don’t know about the aircraft specifically, but they wouldn’t have been ‘welded shut’. More likely is that the door actuators removed and replaced with fixed struts or retained and the system inhibited (locking collars fitted, bomb bay door handle guarded etc).
Hope that helps.
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May 24, 2013 at 3:31 am