A-26 Invader
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First flown in 1942, the Douglas A-26 Invader (after 1948, the B-26, and after 1966, the A-26A) was a twin-engined light attack bomber aircraft built during World War II and seeing service in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. A limited number of highly modified aircraft served until 1969. The US Navy also used a small number of these aircraft in their utility squadrons for target towing and general utility use. The Navy designation was JD-1.
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Design
The A-26 was an unusual design for an attack bomber of that period, as it was designed as a single pilot airplane. The traditional co-pilot's seat did not have flight controls. Instead, a crew person who served as a navigator and bombardier sat in that position. The A-26 was originally built in two different configurations: the A-26B had a solid nose, which normally housed six or eight .50 caliber machine guns, while the A-26C’s glass nose contained a Norden bombsight and was used for medium altitude precision bombing. Some aircraft were armed with additional guns in their wings, giving some configurations as many as fourteen .50 caliber machine guns fixed forward.Service
In the 1960's, Invaders provided by Intermountain Airlines were flown by Cuban exiles during the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. CIA mercenary pilots in the Congo also flew them against "Simba" rebels who were supported by the Chinese and Soviets.During the early phase of the Vietnam War, old A-26's, after receiving extensive upgrades, were relabeled as B-26K's, and were used extensively to interdict supply routes connecting North and South Vietnam.
After military service, many A-26 aircraft were converted to "water bombers" and used to fight forest fires in the United States and Canada. Still other A-26 aircraft were converted to executive transport aircraft and were used into the 1990s.
Operators
- Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Indonesia, Laos, Nicaragua, Peru, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom (two aircraft only), United States (Army Air Force, Air Force, Navy)
Specifications (A-26B-60-DL Invader)
References
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