North American A-36 Apache
North American Aviation · United States · first flew 1942 · bomber
The North American A-36 Apache was the dive-bomber and ground-attack version of the iconic P-51 Mustang, fitted with perforated dive flaps above and below each wing to limit speed during steep diving attacks. It was the first Mustang variant to see combat with the US Army Air Forces.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.83 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Dive-bomber variant of the P-51 Mustang with dive brakes
- Six .50-cal machine guns in wings
- Allison V-1710 inline engine with chin radiator
Visually identical to early P-51A Mustangs, distinguished by the distinctive perforated dive brakes above and below the wings and the underwing bomb racks; the Allison-engined chin radiator configuration differs from later Merlin-powered Mustangs.
Specifications
- The North American A-36 Apache has a length of 9.83 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.28 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 590 km/h (367 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Ordered in 1942 to provide the USAAF with a modern dive bomber, the A-36 entered service in North Africa and the Mediterranean in 1943. Though often relegated to low-altitude strafing rather than true dive bombing, it proved highly effective and popular with its pilots. It saw combat in Sicily, Italy and the China-Burma-India Theatre, destroying significant enemy materiel before being superseded by later P-51 variants.
Variants
The A-36A was the only production version; no A-36B was built. Some aircraft were referred to as 'Invader' rather than 'Apache' by their pilots.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the USAAF from 1943 to 1944 in the Mediterranean and CBI theatres; replaced by P-47 Thunderbolts and later P-51 Mustangs in pure fighter roles.
Related aircraft
- North American A-36 Mustang
- North American P-51B/C Mustang
- North American XB-28
- North American B-25J Mitchell
- Aichi B7A Ryusei
- Avro Lancaster B.III
- B-29 Superfortress
- Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress
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