Douglas A-26C (B-26C) 'Invader' SN: 41-39359 REG: N-26RP
Description
  Manufacturer:Douglas
  Base model:A-26
  Designation:A-26
  Version:C
  Nickname:Invader
  Service:U.S. Air Force
  Basic role:Attack
  Designation Period:1926-1947
  Crew:3
  See Also:B-26 JD
Specifications
Not Yet Available

 
 

The Invader was one of the few combat aircraft to be conceived, designed, developed, produced in quantity, and used in large numbers all during WWII. The XA-26 first flew on 10 July 1942.1355 solid nose A-26Bs were constructed and 1091 glass-nose A-26Cs. A- 26 combat missions began on 19 November 1944 with the 9th Air Force. A-26s also served U.S. forces in Korea and Viet Nam. In 1948 the Invader was redesignated B-26. In 1966 the "AX' category was reestablished and the B-26K was redesignated A-26A. A-26s served the USAF-ANG in many roles from June 1948 until the last VB-26B was retired in 1972.

The Planes of Farne Invader was built as a solid nose A-26B by Douglas in Long Beech, CA. It served in Europe with the 9th Air Force during World War II. Post-war it was converted to a glass nose A- 26C and served in Japan and Korea between 1953 and 1956. After military service it became a fire bomber in British Columbia for 16 years as tanker number 321 for Conair. It came to Planes of Fame Museum in 1987.