Douglas A-20C Havoc

Douglas · United States · first flew 1942 · bomber

The Douglas A-20C Havoc was a refined production variant of the A-20 light attack bomber, incorporating self-sealing fuel tanks, additional armament provisions, and the capability to carry a torpedo for maritime strike duties. It was built partly to British Boston III specification and supplied to both the USAAF and RAF.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	14.48 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Twin-engine light bomber with torpedo-capable airframe
Twin oval fins, mid-wing layout
Self-sealing tanks and revised armament over A-20B

Externally near-identical to other A-20 bomber variants with the glazed bombardier nose; distinguishing the C from A or B externally requires close inspection of fuel system vents and minor fittings.

Specifications

The Douglas A-20C Havoc has a length of 14.48 m (48 ft).
It has a wingspan of 18.69 m (61 ft).
Its maximum speed is 510 km/h (317 mph).
Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Delivered from 1941–42, the A-20C served with both the USAAF and the RAF (as the Boston III), seeing action in the Pacific, North Africa, and European theatres. Its improved fuel system and armament over earlier variants made it more operationally versatile.

Variants

The A-20C is equivalent to the RAF Boston III; subsequent variants (A-20G onwards) moved to a solid gun nose for the strafing attack role rather than the glazed bombardier nose.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the USAAF, RAF, Soviet Air Force (via Lend-Lease), and several other Allied air forces during World War II across multiple theatres.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.