Douglas
A-26 / B-26
Invader
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 Photo: Robert Deering 4/26/2014
NAS Fort Worth JRB (NFW)
Fort Worth, Texas

B-26C Invader
Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio
B-26K Counter Invader
Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio
Photo: Robert Deering 1971
Greater Southwest Airport (GSW)
Fort Worth, Texas
Photo: Robert Deering 10/28/2016
Dallas Executive Airport (RBD)
Dallas, Texas
The Douglas A-26 was a World War II attack aircraft used for level bombing, ground strafing, and rocket attacks. It made its first flight in July 1942, and production delivery began in August 1943. The A-26 entered combat over Europe in November 1944. When production halted after the war, 2,502 Invaders had been built. The A-26 was redesignated the B-26 in 1948 (thus creating everlasting confusion with the WWII Martin B-26 Marauder).

During the Korean War, the Douglas B-26 played an important part in the U.S. Air Force's interdiction campaign against communist ground forces. Initially, B-26 crews flew during the day, but the introduction of the MiG-15 jet fighter forced them to fly most missions at night.

Early in the Southeast Asia War, the Invader returned to action for the third time. Also, the USAF ordered 40 modified B-26Bs with more powerful engines and increased structural strength. Designated the B-26K, these airplanes performed special air warfare missions.

The A-26C on display was flown to the museum in September 1957. It is painted to represent a B-26C used during the Korean War by the 34th Bomb Squadron flying night intruder missions.
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span:  70 ft. Maximum speed:  373 mph
Length:  51 ft. 3 in. Cruising speed: 
Height:  18 ft. 3 in. Range: 
Empty Weight:  Service ceiling: 
Gross Weight:  35,000 lbs. loaded  
Crew: 
Engines:  Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800s of 2,000 hp each
Armament:  Six .50-cal. machine guns (two in each under wing pod; two in the upper, remote controlled turret); 6,000 lbs. of bomb carried internally and under wings
   
SOURCE:  National Museum of the United States Air Force  
 
Photo: Robert Deering 10/26/2018
Dallas Executive Airport (RBD)
Dallas, Texas
Photo: Robert Deering 10/26/2018
Dallas Executive Airport (RBD)
Dallas, Texas		  

A-26B USAF
Fact Sheet
A-26C USAF
Fact Sheet
B-26K USAF
Fact Sheet