K-3 Bomb Lift Truck Note: This item is currently in storage. The K-3 bomb lift truck was designed for use with the Convair B-36 bomber. Because of the bomber's mammoth size, the B-36's top bomb shackles were more than 17 feet from the ground. Hand-cranked hoist and cable loading of the large bombs was too hazardous, so the Air Force ordered a self-powered weapons loader. The first K-3 was delivered in 1950, followed by eight more in the next four years. The K-3 could pick up a bomb of up to 5,000 pounds and lift it to the maximum height of 17 feet, 9.9 inches in 60 seconds. In addition to bombs, the K-3 also could raise fuel tanks, pylons, rockets, missiles, ammunition cans and maintenance platforms. Donated by Mr. W.N. Oswald. Click here to return to the Featured Accessions index. Find Out More Related Fact Sheets Convair B-36J Peacemaker Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.