A-3 lifeboat

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The A-3 lifeboat was developed by the EDO Corporation in 1947 as a successor to the A-1 airborne lifeboat built by Higgins and for carrying by the SB-17H Flying Fortress.

EDO built this lifeboat of aluminium alloy for carrying by the SB-29 Superfortress. Approximately 100 of these lifeboats were built (recognition marking A-3 501 and upwards). This lifeboat has a length of 30' 9/16" and a weight attached to plane of 2736 lb. 15 men could be rescued by the lifeboat.

It was powered by an four-cylinder four-cycle Meteor 20 petrol engine (Red Wing Motor Company). With an Ailsa Craig propeller it was scheduled to give a speed of 8 knots under still water conditions. Nearly 100 gallons of fuel were on board.

The airborne lifeboat was dropped from the SB-29 on a single 100-foot parachute. It was self-righting and had a boarding ladder. The rescued crew had food and water available. There are only some rare reports of successful rescue missions with the A-3 lifeboat, for example with A-3 522.

Lifeboat A-3 603 is still under restoration at the National Museum of the USAF.