What was the first "heavy carrier-based bomber" during the Korean War era?

The A-3 Skywarrior was indeed the first heavy carrier-based bomber designed specifically for the Navy during the Korean War era. It played a pivotal role in expanding the capabilities of naval aviation, allowing for greater payloads and longer operational ranges than its predecessors. The A-3 was designed to be launched from aircraft carriers and carry out long-range strike missions, which were essential during the Korean conflict.

Its design allowed it to carry both conventional and nuclear ordnance, making it a versatile platform during a critical period of the Cold War. The A-3 Skywarrior's operational performance and strategic role in deploying bomb loads from carrier decks distinguished it from other aircraft of its time, further solidifying its status in naval aviation history.

In contrast, the other aircraft listed either did not exist during the Korean War or served different roles that did not include the heavy carrier-based bombing capability the A-3 provided. The B-52 Stratofortress, while a heavy bomber, was not carrier-based. The F-14 Tomcat is primarily a fighter aircraft, and the B-1 Lancer, which came much later, was designed with different specifications in mind.