The Douglas A-26 Invader is a light attack bomber. First proposed in January 1941, the B-26 had its first flight July 10, 1942. Production delays resulted in a twenty-eight month delay from the first flight to the Invader entering combat. Over 2000 Invaders were eventually built during the last half of World War II. Two versions of the Invader were built; the A-26B was equipped with a solid nose and up to 14 machine guns in the nose and wings, the A-26C had a transparent nose to allow for a bombardier to help improve level-bombing accuracy. After World War II the A-26 was redesignated as B-26 and it was under this designation that they continued to serve through the Vietnam War.
Wingspan
70 ft
Length
51 ft 3 in.
Height
18 ft 3 in.
Weight
35,000 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
355 MPH
Service Ceiling
22,100 ft
Range
1,400 miles
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-27 radials with 2,000 horsepower each
Crew
3
Manufacturer Douglas
Markings 319th Bomb Group, Okinawa, 1945
Serial Number 43-22494
Designation A-26C
Pima Air & Space Museum
Creating unlimited horizons in aerospace education through the preservation and presentation of the history of flight.