Posted 8 years ago
fortapache
(3428 items)
The Douglas A-26 Invader became the B-26 after the B-26 Marauder was withdrawn from service. The Invader first entered service during WWII and was in production until 1965 (and used longer). Not many WWII planes had such a long service life.
A notable feature is the eight gun nose. In addition there were 3 machine guns built into each wing for a total of 14 .50 caliber machine guns firing forward. I believe the backside says there were 16 fixed position guns firing forward but I believe that includes the top turret firing forward.
The nose on this could be changed to the traditional glass nose with a bombardier position in about three hours. It was a modular aircraft, no two seem to look alike.
Another nifty feature of this plane are the remote controlled turrets. I have never seen one that still has the bottom turret. Unlike the B-17s and other more famous planes these do not get the full restoration treatment.
Thank you
Caperkid
vetraio50
mikelv85
jscott0363
Nicefice
brunswick
gargoylecollector
Manikan
1st glance & I thought B-25, which I am more familiar with. Good plane, this.
Thank you BB2 and yes the B-25 gets all the attention and full restorations. The Martin B-26 and the Douglas A-26/B-26 almost forgotten.
The Douglas version was great plane and very advanced for the time. I think it and the skyraider were the last two WWII veterans still flying in Vietnam.
Thank you
vetraio50
blunderbuss2
packrat-place
PhilDMorris
SEAN68
pops52
GeodeJem
Thank you mcheconi.
Thank you Trey.