Rodger Pettichord Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 I've been messing around with the dated sim models of the A-26 Invader and the A-20 Havoc. Got me thinking--if you had to choose one over the other in real life, which would you choose and why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawrence aldrich Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 The A-26 was a later aircraft so I would assume it would be a little better at the job, but neither were regarded as better than the British Mosquito. Never flew any of them , so I really don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VH-KDK Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 Thanks for the question Rodger. I am not a pilot so I don't know the benefits of one over the other in RL. However as an enthusiast I much prefer the Invader because of it's looks. The sleeker fuselage accentuates the R-2800s which I think from memory greatly restricted the view out of the side of the cockpit. I have been lucky enough to see one on static display at Biggin Hill many years ago and it was a beautiful sight, just a shame it wasn't flying. It is indeed one of my favourite aircraft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gypsy Pilot Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 The A-26 was the most versatile of the 2 platforms which gave it the longer operational life. I was a single pilot airplane that would cruise at 280+ and could go past 350 in a pinch. It was used during WW2, Korea, Cuba, and flew with Air America in Viet Nam, ( Om Mark Conversion ) and as a Fire Bomber as late as 1971. I remember a pair of them taxing up to our parking ramp back in '61 to get fuel and take a rest break on their way to Florida. I will never forget the sight of those 2 6ft pluses, blue eyed, "Cuban Nationals" coming into the pilot's lounge for a Coke and pee while waiting for the fuel truck to finish up. A few days later the news was full of the Bay Of Pigs Invasion including a story about a bombing raid by a couple of A-26's by Cuban Pilots. Dale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rodger Pettichord Posted July 24, 2018 Author Share Posted July 24, 2018 A friend who was an Air Force pilot and commercial flyer said he likes the A-26 because "it looks mean--and was." As I research, I'm increasingly impressed by the Invader's long combat record. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olderndirt Posted July 26, 2018 Share Posted July 26, 2018 In 1960 I was at Barter Island, AK (BAR Main on the DEWLINE). Along with other employees was a cadre of USAF officers - mostly ex-combat pilots hanging in there for their twenty. At one of our several get-togethers, one of them gave us the gen on the Invader. he had flown the P47 and 51 during WW11 but, when recalled for Korea, was cross-trained into the B26. Initially he was fairly bent about not getting into jets but admitted that this plane became his favorite. No bigger thrill than diving on a target and give 'em the guns. Like all combat flyers, he also talked with his hands and I remember the look of pure pleasure on his face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rodger Pettichord Posted July 26, 2018 Author Share Posted July 26, 2018 Great stories! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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