And on the 'grandaddy' of them all, the A3D/A-3 Skywarrior of 1952, the
B/N also sat about 9" to the rear of the pilot, but on the same level in
a larger, 'house' cockpit. Although there was 12" between the seats and
a center console with throttles and many other switches in there (entry
was from the center lower hatch,) the prime reason for the offset was
the removeable and substantial size ASB-1A bombing computer which filled
the space to the pressure bulkhead and was connected to an optical
periscope through the bottom of the a/c. The B/N's left view was also
obscured as the gunner/navigator sat behind the pilot, rear facing. His
panel for the rear gun radar was replaced with ECM gear in 1962, the
rear 20mm guns and radome were replaced with the "duck-tail" ECM antenna
fairing. I'd say we all had good visibility, and we landed with the
upper hatch open.
Joel McEachen VAH-5

Ralph_S wrote:
Mike Kanze wrote:

On the A-6 the B/N sat lower and further back.
Ever so slightly, though. One never really noticed it - or cared worth a fig.
Owl sends
--
Mike Kanze

Indeed, only a few inches, in order to improve the pilot's field of
view to his right. I can imagine the reason for not really noticing it
being that you simply were used to it. It is quite noticible in
practically all pictures of the A-6. Check out this one for instance.

http://uscockpits.com/Later%20Attack...20Blk%201A.jpg
Since the lateral spacing between both crewmembers was quite limited,
having a different arrangement would have impaired the view quite a
bit.
Cheers, Ralph

Very true. On the A-6 the B/N sat lower and further back.
The same arrangement was also carried over to the EA-6B.
Cheers,
Ralph

-Jeff B.