Seaplane with ventral observational portholes??

[michael barnette]

Does anyone know of a fairly large twin-engined seaplane with numerous round portholes, including a line of 3-4 across the ventral (bottom) surface of the fuselage aft of the cockpit?
Thanks!

[Mark Allen M]

Yes if your asking about seaplanes from the past. Take a look see here for a few examples. Hope this helps ya.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=52256&hilit=Planes+that+float&start=30

[michael barnette]

OK, upon further deliberation, it might not be a seaplane. But there is a line of portholes facing downwards (on the bottom of the fuselage). On the exterior, there are doors that close over the portholes to cover them on the outside. I don't recall every seeing an aircraft like this. Possibly a SAR aircraft...but what model???

[shrike]

Canadair 215, and you're seeing the water dump ports rather than portholes?

[michael barnette]

No, definitely glass observation ports. I saw them from inside the fuselage. There appeared to actually be exterior doors that could close over the ports though. There were several in the side of the fuselage too. Swept wing, engines mounted under the wing, not inline with leading edge. Landing gear incorporated in the side of the fuselage with the wheel facing aft - looks like it pivoted out and down. Very odd aircraft.

[airnutz]

Got an N number?...Or the equivalent national registration or serial number?

[JDK]

A bit like the 'identifying an elephant while blindfold' game!

Can you give us a bit more context - when, where, whose, why, (which what and how as well, while we're at it.)?

Regards,

[michael barnette]

Sorry about the lack of info - this is a crash site underwater off FL we came across and are filming for Nat Geo, so I have been limited in what I can say. I have been talking to a few other folks and it looks like an A-3 Skywarrior is a potential suspect. Where there any recon versions of this aircraft? Or perhaps they put observation ports on it for refueling purposes? Thanks for any information you can provide!

[JDK]

It was fun, for a bit anyway...

Makes sense now. I dunno what you've got though!

I think from what you're saying you can rule out a seaplane (as in water-borne) if those really are portholes. Amphibian flying boats like the Supermarine Seagull V / Walrus (which you don't have) were fitted with camera hatches in the hull underside that could become dislodged in a crash and look like a 'porthole' - but definitely the exception in the planing hull area. The scoop or drop holes of a water-bomber flying boat are a possibility too, as mentioned already, as would be the 'tunnel gun' in a PBY / Catalina, but that's more of a tapered box shape.

These are not suggestions, though, but comment on configuration concepts to help.

Good luck!

[Roger Cain]

Possibly an Beech RC-45 with the windows on the bottom of the fuselage?

[shrike]

I knew things were going odd when you added 'swept wing' to 'seaplane'.

If the A-3 is a viable candidate, then RB-66 is as well

[michael barnette]

Yes, we have come to the conclusion we have an A-3. We have been told the recon/surveillance version might have the ventral ports for cameras.
Thanks everyone!
Now to find an A-3 expert in Florida in the next 24 hours!

[Larry Kraus]

Do these views of the camera ports from a flight manual for the RA-3B look familiar?

[Chris Brame]

Michael, here are three possible IDs for this aircraft, courtesy Joe Baugher's site:

144836 (VAP-62) lost in flight from NAS Jacksonville Mar 1960
144837 (VAP-62) lost in flight from NAS Jacksonville Apr 1969
144845 (VAP-62) lost in flight Sep 1960 from NAS Jacksonville

Good luck with your project!

[michael barnette]

BINGO!
Awesome info Larry and Chris - thanks!
We are working on identifying the actual aircraft now. It's been a roller coaster ride for sure!
The program should be airing on Nat Geo in December.
Cheers,
Mike