Douglas A-26 Invader
The Douglas A-26 Invader (designated B-26 between 1948 and 1965) is an American twin-engined light bomber and ground attack aircraft. Built by Douglas Aircraft Company during World War II, the Invader also saw service during several major Cold War conflicts. A limited number of highly modified United States Air Force aircraft served in Southeast Asia until 1969. It was a fast aircraft capable of carrying a large bomb load. A range of guns could be fitted to produce a formidable ground-attack aircraft.
| A-26 (B-26) Invader | |
|---|---|
| A warbird A-26 Invader | |
| Role | Ground attack Light bomber |
| Manufacturer | Douglas Aircraft Company |
| First flight | 10 July 1942 |
| Introduction | 1944 |
| Retired | 1980 Colombian Air Force |
| Primary users | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force United States Navy French Air Force |
| Number built | 2,503 |
| Variants | On Mark Executive, Marketeer, and Marksman |
A 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. 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.