Douglas A-26 and B-26K Invader

The Douglas A-26 Invader was a U.S.-designed twin-engined light bomber and ground attack aircraft.

Built by the Douglas Aircraft Company during World War II, the Invader also saw service during several major Cold War conflicts. A limited number of highly modified United States Air Force aircraft served in Southeast Asia until 1969.

The A-26 was renamed to the B-26 between 1948 and 1965.

This re-designation from A-26 to B-26 led to confusion with the Martin B-26 Marauder, which first flew in November 1940, some 20 months before the Douglas design's maiden flight.

Of the 2,500 A-26 Invaders built during WWII, there are many surviving aircraft around the world, many of which are located in the United States, some on static display, some are airworthy.

Shown below are examples of restored A-26 bombers.

A-26C Invader "Reida Rae" S/N 43-22499 at the New England Air Musem in Windsor Locks, CT

A-26C Invader S/N 43-22499 at the New England Air Musem

B-26C (A-26C) Invader, S/N 435733, on display at the Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, Ohio

Tail section of the B-26C Invader, S/N 43-5733, Buzz Number BC-733

Douglas B-26C (A-26C) Invader "Dream Girl" at the Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, OH

Photo by the Greatest Generation Aircraft Museum

This A-26A (B-26K) was used in the mid to late 1960s for training crews going to Thailand for the Special Ops war over Laos.  The photo below was taken at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, after the airplane was sent to the boneyard. Aircraft 64-17679, "Special Kay", was used at England Air Force Base (EAFB) in Alexandria, La, and at Hurlburt Field in Florida for training. It is now being restored to flight at the Greatest Generation Aircraft Museum (GGAM) at Meacham Field, Ft Worth, TX.  The airplane will be returned to the same colors she wore at England AFB, and bear the IF tail code.  She is the last flying AF modified A-26A left.  Greatest Generation Aircraft is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 Foundation, located at the south end of Meacham Field in Fort Worth, Texas. Other planes in its inventory include the B-25 Bomber "Pacific Prowler", C47 "Southern Cross", and a CG4A Waco Glider. The organization offers memberships, rides, gift certificates for flight experiences, SIC/PIC training and more.

Douglas A-26A / B-26K S/N 64-17679A at Davis-Monthan AMARG (Photo by GGAM)

For More Information on GGAM, its Aircraft, and Restoration Efforts

GGAM at Meacham Field, Ft Worth, TX

Warbird Information Exchange Forum on the A-26A Restoration