The story
The A-26 Invader arrived in 1944, a fast twin-engine attack bomber with up to 14 forward-firing machine guns and a crew of three. It fought in Korea, and rebuilt B-26K Counter Invaders flew night interdiction over Laos and Vietnam until 1969. Afterwards many became fire bombers and executive conversions, and a few still fly at airshows.
Its type code says B-26 because the US Air Force renamed the A-26 the B-26 in 1948, after the Martin B-26 Marauder retired. Two different bombers wore the same name.
Quick answers
How do you identify a A-26 Invader?
A slim twin with big radial engines in long nacelles, a tall single fin, tricycle landing gear and either a glazed bombardier nose or a solid gun nose.
What does a A-26 Invader sound like?
Two R-2800s, a deep rolling thunder that announces it long before it is overhead.
How fast is the A-26 Invader?
Top speed is 312 kts.
How many people does the A-26 Invader carry?
Typical configuration: Crew of 3.
How far can the A-26 Invader fly?
Range is about 1,390 nmi.
How big is the A-26 Invader?
It is 50 ft 0 in long and 70 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the A-26 Invader first fly?
Its first flight was in 1942.
How many A-26 Invaders have been built?
2,503 built.
How rare is a A-26 Invader in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first A-26 Invader catch is worth 250 points.
