A true marvel of World War II aviation history is the Douglas A-26 Invader, a versatile and powerful light bomber that played a crucial role during World War II, the Korean War and even early stages of the Vietnam War.
With less than four A26s actively flying, Million Air Maintenance out of Houston Hobby restored this warbird in May of 2024 and the CEO of Million Air, Roger Woolsey, and the maintenance crew flew her over to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day to connect her with the veterans who flew her.
Twin Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines, each producing an impressive 2,000 horsepower.
The A-26 Invader was introduced in 1944 and quickly became a favorite among pilots for its speed, maneuverability, and devastating firepower. It could carry a payload of up to 6,000 pounds of bombs and was equipped with an array of machine guns and cannons, making it a formidable opponent in both bombing and ground attack roles.
During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, this specific A-26 Invader played a critical role in providing close air support to the embattled Allied ground forces. Operating from bases in England, these aircraft flew numerous missions, targeting German supply lines, troop concentrations, and armored units, helping to blunt the German offensive and turn the tide in favor of the Allies.
The A-26 could take off and land on shorter runways than many other bombers, adding to its versatility.
With less than four A26s actively flying, Million Air Maintenance out of Houston Hobby restored this warbird in May of 2024 and the CEO of Million Air, Roger Woolsey, and the maintenance crew flew her over to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day to connect her with the veterans who flew her.
Twin Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines, each producing an impressive 2,000 horsepower.
The A-26 Invader was introduced in 1944 and quickly became a favorite among pilots for its speed, maneuverability, and devastating firepower. It could carry a payload of up to 6,000 pounds of bombs and was equipped with an array of machine guns and cannons, making it a formidable opponent in both bombing and ground attack roles.
During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, this specific A-26 Invader played a critical role in providing close air support to the embattled Allied ground forces. Operating from bases in England, these aircraft flew numerous missions, targeting German supply lines, troop concentrations, and armored units, helping to blunt the German offensive and turn the tide in favor of the Allies.
The A-26 could take off and land on shorter runways than many other bombers, adding to its versatility.
