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.
A-26 aircraft first entered combat in Europe during World War II. During the war, US Army Air Forces used A-26s for bomb drops, ground-strafing attacks, and rocket attacks. After World War II, the US Air Force continued to utilize the A-26 during the Korean and Vietnam Wars to combat enemy ground forces. Thanks to the A-26’s versatility and performance, it holds the distinction as the only United States bomber to fly missions in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
From 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 airframe overhaul.
The A-26 on display was originally designated as a “C” model and entered service in 1945. After various assignments, it transferred to the 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 Korean War.
Two models of the A-26 saw service. The A-26C had a transparent nose, known as the ‘bombardier nose.’ Airmen utilized a Norden bombsight placed inside the nose to locate ground targets during medium altitude bombing missions. A-26B models, like the one on display, had a solid nose that housed machined guns used for ground-strafing attack missions.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 44-35617
Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company
Primary Function: Light Bomber, Ground Attack
Crew: Three to four
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-27 double-row radial; 2,000 horsepower each
Wingspan: 70 ft
Length: 50 ft 8 in
Height: 18 ft 6 in
Weight: 22,370 lbs (empty); 35,000 pounds (maximum takeoff weight)
Speed: 285 mph (cruising);376 mph (maximum)
Range: 1,600 miles
Service Ceiling: 24,500 ft
Armament: Sixteen to eighteen .50 cal. machine guns
Payload: 6,000 lbs bombs
Cost: $192,457 (average A-26 cost of unit as of 1944)
Years of Service: 1942 – 1972
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.