Douglas A-26 Invader

The Douglas A-26 Invader, redesignated B-26 between 1948 and 1965, was an American twin-engined light bomber and ground-attack aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company during World War II. It was fast, carried a large bomb load and could be fitted with a range of guns for ground attack. The XA-26 prototype first flew on 10 July 1942 at Mines Field, El Segundo. The Invader also served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, with a limited number of highly modified Air Force aircraft flying in Southeast Asia until 1969, and the last A-26 in active United States service, with the Air National Guard, was retired in 1972. The redesignation caused confusion with the unrelated Martin B-26 Marauder.