Douglas A-26B Invader
Douglas · United States · first flew 1944 · bomber
The Douglas A-26B Invader was the primary production variant of the A-26 light attack bomber, featuring a solid nose mounting eight .50 calibre machine guns for ground attack as opposed to the glazed bombardier nose of the A-26A. It was one of the fastest piston bombers of World War II.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 15.24 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Solid eight-gun nose distinguishes the B from the glazed-nose A-26A
- Twin Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasps in prominent round nacelles
- Low-mid wing with large Fowler flaps
A sleek mid-wing twin with distinctive large round nacelles housing radial engines, a solid or glazed nose depending on variant, retractable tricycle gear, and a mid-mounted horizontal stabiliser giving a clean silhouette.
Specifications
- The Douglas A-26B Invader has a length of 15.24 m (50 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.34 m (70 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 571 km/h (355 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The A-26B entered USAAF service in late 1944, seeing action in Europe and the Pacific in the final months of World War II. Its exceptional speed made it difficult for German fighters to intercept. The Invader continued in service through the Korean War and was re-designated B-26 in 1948, serving in Vietnam as well, making it one of the longest-serving American combat aircraft.
Variants
The A-26A had a glazed bombardier nose; the A-26B had the solid gun nose; the A-26C combined the glazed nose with reduced gun armament. Post-war, the B-26K Counter Invader was a comprehensively rebuilt special operations variant.
Where you'll see it
Served with the USAAF in WWII across both theatres, then the USAF in Korea, and in limited numbers with the Air Force in Vietnam as the B-26K. Exported to numerous allied nations including France, which used it in Indochina and Algeria.
Related aircraft
- Douglas A-26C Invader
- Douglas XCG-17
- Douglas AD Skyraider
- Douglas C-47B Skytrain
- Avro Lincoln
- Beechcraft XA-38 Grizzly
- Boeing XB-39 Superfortress
- Bristol Brigand
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.