North American
A-36
Apache
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Photo: Robert Deering 1985
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio
Unofficially named the "Invader," the A-36A Apache dive bomber was the first U.S. Army Air Forces version of the Mustang (the Mustang was officially developed for Britain in 1940). The first A-36 flew in September 1942, and North American completed production of 500 A-36As in March 1943.

Assigned to the 27th and 86th Bombardment Groups (Dive), the A-36A first saw action against the the island of Pantelleria in June 1943. During the Italian campaign, A-36A pilots flew bomber escort and strafing missions as well as ground support bombing attacks. A-36As also served with the 311th Fighter Bomber Group in India. In 1944 bomb rack equipped P-51s and P-47s replaced the A-36A when experience showed that these high-altitude fighters were more suitable for low-level missions than the A-36As.

The aircraft on display was obtained from Charles P. Doyle of Rosemount, Minn., in 1971. Restored by the 148th Fighter-Interceptor Group, Minnesota Air National Guard, it is painted as the A-36A flown by Capt. Lawrence Dye, 522nd Fighter-Bomber Squadron, in Tunisia, Sicily and Italy.

Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span: 37 ft.
Length:  32 ft. 3 in.
Height:  12 ft. 2 in.
Empty Weight:  
Gross Weight:  10,000 lbs. loaded
Crew: 		Maximum speed: 365 mph
Cruising speed: 250 mph
Range: 550 miles
Service ceiling: 25,100 ft.
Engines:  Allison V-1710 of 1,325 hp
Armament:  Six .50-cal. machine guns; 1,000 lbs of bombs externally
 
SOURCE: National Museum of the United States Air Force  

A-36A USAF
Fact Sheet