The Invader was used as a ground attack and light bomber from 1943 until 1952, before being reactivated to participate in the Vietnam War from 1960 to 1964.
The A-26B attack aircraft entered combat in Europe during World War II. The Army Air Forces (AAF) used A-26s for bomb drops, ground target attacks and rocket attacks. The United States Air Force (USAF) continued to utilize the A-26 during the Korea and Vietnam Wars to combat enemy ground forces.
Serial Number: 44-35617
Crew: Three to four
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-27 18-cylinder, double-row radial; 2,000 horsepower each
Wingspan: 70 feet
Length: 50 feet 8 inches
Height: 18 feet 6 inches
Weight: 22,362 pounds (empty); 41,800 pounds (loaded)
Speed: 376 mph
Range: 2,914 miles
Service Ceiling: 24,500 feet
Armament: Sixteen to eighteen .50-caliber machine guns; 6,000 pounds of bombs
Cost: $192,457 (average A-26 cost of unit as of 1944)
From the start of World War II until 1970, Hill Air Force Base provided a variety of maintenance for the A-26 aircraft, from engine service and storage to complete overhauls.
The A-26B on display was originally designated as a C model and entered service in 1945. After various assignments, it transferred to Hill Aerospace Museum in 1990. The aircraft was restored to its earlier B model design and painted in the black and red scheme of the 13th Bombardment Squadron (Light), “the Devil’s Own Grim Reapers,” that served in the Korea War.
The Invader was used as a ground attack and light bomber from 1943 until 1952, before being reactivated to participate in the Vietnam War from 1960 to 1964.
By 1960, the Invader was primarily used for both day and night reconnaissance runs.
The Invader could hit a max speed of 359 mph, but typically cruised at 266 mph with a range of 1,600 miles.
Douglas Aircraft produced 2,503 A-26 Invaders between 1943 and 1945.