The A-6C, a dedicated interdictor, was one such model, as was the KA-6D, a buddy store-equipped aerial refueling tanker. Perhaps the most complex variant was the EA-6B Prowler, a specialized electronic warfare derivative.

Aug 6, 2014 · The KA-6D was a tanker version of the A-6 attack aircraft obtained by converting existing Intruder airframes: radar and bombing equipment were removed and replaced with an internal hose-and-reel...

Apr 18, 2017 · 78 A-6As and 12 A-6Es were reworked for use as KA-6D tanker aircraft. The fleet’s KA-3B and EKA-3B Skywarriors were getting long in the tooth and never were exactly dainty aircraft. The Intruder tanker conversions were completed during the early 1970s.

Jul 25, 2023 · Directly developed from the A-6A airframe, the KA-6D was fitted with an internal hose and reel refueling package and with the adoption of extra underwing pylon tanks. This post features the incredible story of Keith Gallagher, former B/N …

The KA-6D had a built-in hose-drum unit (HDU), installed under the rear fuselage. In service, the KA-6D usually flew with four or even five external tanks. It also sometimes carried a buddy tanking pod, either for backup or just for ferrying it to another base.

KA-6D Intruder. The KA-6D was an A-6A modified for use as aerial refueling tanker. A total of 90 A-6As were converted into KA-6D tanker Intruders.

KA-6D 149937 leading a formation of Intruders over Oceana. The aircraft belonged to the inventory of Attack Squadron (VA) 34 "Blue Blasters". The Intruder was delivered to the USN in 1963 and was transferred from active service to the US Naval Reserves in October 1992.

Squadron aircraft struck the airfield and naval facility at Ream, Cambodia. The squadron's KA-6D aircraft were used to provide tanker support for the combat sorties.

Two of the more successful variants developed were the EA-6B Prowler, a specialized electronic warfare derivative, and the KA-6D tanker version. It was deployed during various overseas conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.

OVERVIEW: The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing all-weather attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined Douglas A-1 Skyraider.