Model Airplane News February, 1945 ![]() Douglas A-26 "Invader" Model Airplane News Cover Art for February, 1945 by Jo Kotula Click to Enlarge The Douglas A-26 Invader () was a United States twin-engined light attack bomber built by the Douglas Aircraft Co. during World War II that also saw service during several of the Cold War's major conflicts. A limited number of highly modified aircraft (designation A-26 restored) served in combat until 1969. The A-26 was an unusual design for an attack bomber of the early 1940s period, as it was designed as a single-pilot aircraft (sharing this characteristic with the RAF's de Havilland Mosquito, among others). The aircraft was designed by Edward Heinemann, Robert Donovan and Ted R. Smith. The plane was re-designated from A-26 to B-26 in 1946, and this has led to popular confusion with the Martin B-26; Although both types used the R-2800 engine, they are completely different designs. ![]() ![]() ![]() Douglas A-26 "Invader" Design Patent D-128,027 Click to Enlarge The Douglas XA-26 prototype first flew in July 1942 at Mines Field, El Segundo, with test pilot Benny Howard at the controls. (Howard was a famous air racer and his "Ike" and "Mike" racing planes are featured on the cover of the April, 1933 Issue of Model Airplane News. ![]() ![]() ![]() Nose Configurations of the Douglas A-26 "Invader" Click to Enlarge Alongside the pilot in an A-26B, a crew member typically served as navigator and gun loader for the pilot-operated nose guns. In an A-26C, that crew member served as navigator and bombardier, and relocated to the nose section for the bombing phase of an operation. The rear gunner had a separate compartment where he operated the remotely-controlled dorsal and ventral gun turrets. Here is a video of the Douglas A-26 "Invader" in action: In addition to the cover of Model Airplane News, this airplane was also featured in the WINGS "Friend or Foe" trading card series of the early 1950s ![]() Trading card representation of the Douglas A-26 "Invader" Click Here to see all 200 cards in the series Click to Enlarge Click Here for more information about the Douglas A-26 "Invader". ![]() Click to go back and select another cover. | |||||||
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