It had a four-man crew, and it was designed to carry a nuclear weapon to the optimal air burst altitude over a target, where it would be detonated while still on the A4-D.
Yes, a suicide plane. That's why it was called the A4-D.
"All 4 Die."
That's what I had a guy tell me one time. He knew all about that kinda stuff.
Sir, I always enjoy a great story! I joined the Marines in 1974 and we still had the A4D long after I joined. It was never a Four Seater but it was designed to carry Nuclear Weapons.
Terry L Walker
CWO5
Marine Gunner
USMC Retired
1974-2008