The A-26 Invader

In late 1944, the A-26 Invader was the latest development in American light twin-engined, attack-bomber technology. Built to replace the dependable A-20 Havoc, the A-26 was better armed, faster and had a longer range than its predecessor.

Despite the successful D-Day landings and Russian advances on the eastern front, by the autumn of 1944 allied troops were still bogged down in bitter fighting against the Nazis. As casualties continued to mount, any new hardware that might help to hasten the end of the war was quickly pressed into service. In this pressured environment Warton air depot, near Preston, became a hive of military activity, with well over 100 new A-26s being flown in for fitting and preparation for active service.

The young crews were also expected to learn quickly on the new equipment. The familiar A-20 was replaced with the technologically superior A-26 with its revolutionary new wing design and flying surfaces. The plane was one of the first aircraft to incorporate multiple retractable flaps in its wings to enable greater lift, just like a modern airliner. This technological marvel was a streamlined speed machine with an innovative compact design, a downside of which was that it resulted in less visibility for the pilot.

Vital statistics

Almost 2,500 of the A-26 Invader attack bombers were built altogether, the first of which were delivered to the US 9th Air Force in November 1944. The aircraft were powered by two 2,000 horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800-79 radial piston engines, with a maximum take-off weight of 35,000lb, including a payload of 12,630lb.

Eighteen feet high, with a length of just over 50 feet and a wing span of 70 feet, the A-26 could reach a maximum speed of 355 miles per hour – as fast as a fighter plane. It could fly at up to 22,000 feet and had a range of 1,400 miles.

The A-26 was equipped with six half-inch (12.7mm) machine guns in the nose, two half-inch machine guns in each ventral and dorsal turret, eight five-inch (127mm) rockets and 6,000lb of bombs.

Text only