A-26B Invader

The Douglas A‑26B Invader was a twin‑engine, medium‑bomber and ground‑attack aircraft that entered service with the United States Army Air Forces in early 1944. Designed by Ed Heinemann, the Invader combined a sleek, low‑drag airframe with powerful Pratt & Whitney R‑2800 Double Wasp engines, delivering a top speed of 355 mph and a range of over 1,400 miles. Its versatile armament layout—typically six .50‑caliber machine guns in the nose plus up to 4,000 lb of bombs or rockets under the wings—made it effective in both strategic bombing and low‑level strafing missions. The A‑26B saw extensive combat in the European and Pacific theaters, where its speed and durability outmatched many contemporary aircraft. After World War II the type was redesignated B‑26 by the US Air Force and served in Korea, Vietnam, and numerous overseas conflicts, proving adaptable to night‑interdiction, reconnaissance, and even electronic‑warfare roles. The Invader’s durability, ease of maintenance, and multirole capability cemented its reputation as one of the most successful post‑war aircraft, influencing later designs and earning a lasting place in aviation history. More than 5,000 units were built, and many remain flying today in civilian hands, serving as airshow icons and historical ambassadors.