Douglas B-26K Counter Invader (A-26B)

History

The B-26K/A-26B Anti-Invader is a major modification of the fuselage of the World War II-era Douglas A-26 Intruder twin-engine fighter. By 1948, the A-26 was renamed the "B-26" and the B-26K was being developed for counterinsurgency operations in Southeast Asia. 40 B-26B/TB-26B airframes converted to Mark Engineering, plus a pair of B.26C and one JB-26C - for roles and modifications including 2 x R-2800-103W 2,500hp radial, twin- Cockpit control scheme, wingtip fuel tanks and modern avionics. Compared to the War model, the ammo load has been increased, and all turret weapons have been removed in favor of fixed front-firing guns.

A different hood was added along with a truncated propeller unit.

The aircraft's original designation was known as "B-26B" in U.S. inventory, but it became "A-26K" when deploying troops overseas in countries such as Thailand due to refusal by local authorities, "Bomber" conceded Home to the soil during the war in Southeast Asia - hence the name change in the short history of the anti-invaders. As such, it is often referred to as "B-26K" or "A-26B", interchangeably ("B" for "bomber", "A" for "attack").

Externally, the Anti-Aggressor retains most of the shape of its WWII counterpart. The aircraft uses shoulder-mounted monoplane wings that are reinforced for its new mission role and have a V-shape.

Engine nacelles are usually mounted on the leading edge of the wing, and each engine drives a three-bladed (reversible) propeller. The chassis is a traditional tricycle arrangement with two main components and a nose post for ground travel. The stepped cockpit is located directly behind the nose assembly, which houses the aircraft's primary armament.

The fuselage contains rounded edges and is board-side, tapering to form the tail. The all-new rear wing relies on a single (snipped) vertical rear wing and a low-level horizontal plane (also doubled).

The front fixed armament consisted of 8 x .50 caliber heavy machine guns stacked in two columns of four. Up to 8,000 lbs of mixed ammunition (rocket pods, conventional bombs, gun pods, gun pods) can be externally mounted at multiple underwing hardpoints (four on the wings).

Inside, an additional 4,000 pounds of cargo can be carried, giving the B-26K a pretty punchy punch.

In modified form, the aircraft can reach speeds of 323 miles per hour to a range of 2,700 miles and an altitude of 30,000 feet. Dimensions include a wingspan of 71.5 feet, a length of 51.6 feet and a height of 19 feet. Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 38,314 lbs.

While the original Douglas A-26 Raider saw combat operations during World War II (1939-1945) and the upcoming Korean War (1950-1953) (as the B-26), the modified The B-26K "Anti-Invader" was sent to Southeast Asia after 1966.

The series actually dropped out of front-line service in 1958, but came back online in 1961 when the USAF saw a need for tactical bombers in the region. Wear eventually forced it to be dismantled again in 1964, but as early as 1966, the revived collection was brought back into service with its new anti-invader uniform.

The planes remained in service in the region until 1969 before finally withdrawing from front-line serviceagain because the decades-old airframes had withstood the rigors of war.

Counter Invader pilots are called "Nimrods".

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes