Douglas A-20 Havoc
Douglas · United States · first flew 1939 · bomber
The Douglas A-20 Havoc was a highly successful American twin-engine attack bomber of the Second World War, used in the ground-attack, light bombing, and night-intruder roles by the US Army Air Forces, the RAF (as the Boston and Havoc), and the Soviet Air Forces in large numbers.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.62 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine attack and light bomber of WWII
- Glazed nose bombardier position on bomber variants
- Solid gun nose on attack and intruder versions
Medium twin-engine bomber with a distinctive nose—either glazed for a bombardier or solid with gun barrels for attack versions. The mid-wing layout, twin-finned tail and nacelle shape are characteristic of the Douglas design.
Specifications
- The Douglas A-20 Havoc has a length of 14.62 m (48 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.6 m (61 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 546 km/h (339 mph).
- Typical crew: 2-3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed in the late 1930s, the DB-7/A-20 entered French service before France's fall and was then adopted by Britain, where it operated as the Boston bomber and the Havoc night fighter. Lend-Lease deliveries made it one of the most widely distributed Allied aircraft, with over 3,000 going to the Soviet Union where it was particularly valued for low-level attack. It served in every theatre of the Second World War.
Variants
Major variants include the A-20A through A-20K, with the A-20G being the most produced; the RAF designated its versions the Boston I–IV and Havoc I–II.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the USAAF, RAF, RAAF, SAAF, Soviet Air Forces and the French Air Force among others; retired from front-line use shortly after the war's end.
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