Editing Grumman A-6 Intruder (section)

===KA-6D===
[[File:KA-6 F-14 DN-ST-87-10386.jpg|thumb|left|A KA-6D refueling an F-14A in 1987]]

To replace both the KA-3B and EA-3B Skywarrior during the early 1970s, 78 A-6As and 12 A-6Es were converted for use as [[Tanker (aircraft)|tanker]] aircraft, providing [[aerial refueling]] support to other strike aircraft. The DIANE system was removed and an internal refueling system was added, sometimes supplemented by a D-704 refueling pod on the centerline pylon. The KA-6D theoretically could be used in the day/visual bombing role, but it apparently never was, with the standard load-out being four fuel tanks. Because it was based on a tactical aircraft platform, the KA-6D provided a capability for mission tanking, the ability to keep up with strike aircraft and refuel them in the course of a mission. A few KA-6Ds went to sea with each Intruder squadron.  Their operation was integrated into the Intruder squadrons, as A-6 crew were trained to operate both aircraft and the NATOPS covered both the A6 and KA-6D. These aircraft were always in short supply, and frequently were "cross decked" from a returning carrier to an outgoing one. Many KA-6 airframes had severe G restrictions, as well as fuselage stretching due to almost continual use and high number of catapults and traps. The retirement of the aircraft left a gap in US Navy and Marine Corps refueling tanker capability. At least 16 KA-6Ds served in the [[Gulf War]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1993 |title=Gulf War - Air Power Survey, Volume V |url=https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/27/2001329816/-1/-1/0/gulf_war_air_power_survey-vol5.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627021558/https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/27/2001329816/-1/-1/0/gulf_war_air_power_survey-vol5.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 June 2022 |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=U.S. Department of Defense}}</ref> The Navy [[Lockheed S-3 Viking]] filled that gap until the new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet became operational.