The 'flat-topped' canopy was changed in late 1944 after about 820 production aircraft, to a clamshell style with greatly improved visibility. An A-26C nose section could be replaced with an A-26B nose section, or vice versa, in a few hours, thus physically (and officially) changing the designation and operational role. 50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns in fixed forward mounts. Īfter about 1,570 production aircraft, three guns were installed in each wing, coinciding with the introduction of the 'eight-gun nose' for A-26Bs, giving some configurations as many as 14. The A-26C nose section included two fixed M-2 guns, but those were eliminated after underwing gun packs or internal guns in the wings proved effective during colder weather. The A-26C 's 'glass' 'Bombardier nose', contained a Norden bombsight for medium-altitude precision bombing.50 caliber machine guns, officially the 'all-purpose nose', later known as the 'six-gun nose' or 'eight-gun nose'. The 'B' gun-nose version housed six (and later, eight). 50 caliber machine guns, 20 or 37mm auto cannon, or an experimental 75mm pack howitzer (never used operationally). The A-26B gun-nose could be equipped with a combination of armament, including.The early A-26 versions were built in two configurations: 41-19588,, with a 'strafer' nose, was adaptable to a combination of weapons, including a 75 mm (3 in) cannon. During testing, the nose wheel was found to be structurally inadequate, thus the nose gear was redesigned and made more structurally sound.

Flight tests revealed excellent performance and handling, but engine-cooling problems led to cowling changes and elimination of the propeller spinners on production aircraft. 41-19504) first flew on 10 July 1942 at Mines Field, El Segundo, with test pilot Benny Howard at the controls. Smith, the innovative NACA 65-215 laminar-flow airfoil wing of the A-26 was the work of project aerodynamicist A.M.O. The A-26 was Douglas Aircraft's successor to the A-20 (DB-7) Havoc, also known as Douglas Boston.ĭesigned by Ed Heinemann, Robert Donovan, and Ted R. 41-19504 first flight, Mines Field, California, piloted by Benny Howard Although both aircraft were powered by the widely used Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp 18-cylinder, double-row radial engine, they were completely different and separate designs, with some 5,300 Marauders produced to 2,503 Invaders.ĭesign and development Douglas XA-26 AAC Ser. Ī redesignation of the type from A-26 to B-26 led to confusion with the Martin B-26 Marauder, which first flew in November 1940, some 20 months before the Douglas design's maiden flight. A range of guns could be fitted to produce a formidable ground-attack aircraft. It was a fast aircraft capable of carrying a large bomb load. A limited number of highly modified United States Air Force aircraft served in Southeast Asia until 1969. Built by Douglas Aircraft Company during World War II, the Invader also saw service during several major Cold War conflicts. The Douglas A-26 Invader (designated B-26 between 19) is an American twin-engined light bomber and ground attack aircraft. On Mark Executive, Marketeer, and Marksman

B 24 bomber crew positions