—DOUGLAS A-26 INVADER

Douglas A-26 Invader for Sale — WWII Twin-Engine Attack Bomber

The Douglas A-26 Invader is a legendary American twin-engine light attack bomber that holds the remarkable distinction of having served in combat in three major conflicts — World War II, Korea, and Vietnam — making it one of the longest-serving combat aircraft in American military history. Produced in vast numbers by Douglas Aircraft between 1944 and 1947, the Invader combined exceptional speed, a heavy forward-firing armament, and a versatile bomb bay into a package that outperformed many contemporaries and remained relevant for decades after the war that produced it. Surviving A-26 Invaders are among the most prized twin-engine warbirds available, and Airplane Trade maintains dedicated listings for buyers and sellers of this historic aircraft.

World War II Service

The A-26 Invader entered combat in the Pacific and European theaters in late 1944 and quickly established a reputation as one of the fastest and most capable attack aircraft in the Allied arsenal. Powered by two Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines of 2,000 horsepower each, the Invader could exceed 370 mph at altitude — faster than many contemporary fighters at low and medium altitudes — while carrying eight .50 caliber machine guns in the nose, two more in each wing, and up to 6,000 pounds of bombs internally and externally. This combination of speed and firepower made it devastatingly effective in the low-level strafing and skip-bombing roles that characterized Pacific naval operations.

Korea and Vietnam

The A-26 was redesignated B-26 after World War II (creating potential confusion with the earlier Martin B-26 Marauder, which had been retired). In Korea, B-26 Invaders flew night interdiction missions against North Korean supply lines with considerable effectiveness, and the type served again in the early years of Vietnam with both US Air Force and CIA-operated aircraft before being retired from frontline service. The Invader's longevity in military service is a testament to the fundamental soundness of the original design.

Technical Specifications — A-26B (Solid Nose Variant)

• Engines: Two Pratt and Whitney R-2800-27 Double Wasp, 2,000 hp each
• Maximum speed: 373 mph (324 knots) at 15,000 ft
• Cruise speed: Approximately 284 mph (247 knots)
• Service ceiling: 22,100 ft
• Range: Approximately 1,400 miles
• Crew: 3 (pilot, navigator/bombardier, gunner)
• Forward guns: 8 x .50 cal in nose (A-26B solid nose)
• Bomb load: Up to 6,000 lb internal and external
• Wingspan: 70 ft 0 in
• MTOW: 35,000 lb

Civilian Life After Military Service

Following military retirement, large numbers of A-26/B-26 Invaders entered civilian service in roles that exploited their combination of speed, payload capacity, and twin-engine reliability. Executive transport conversions with luxurious interiors were popular among wealthy operators in the 1950s and 1960s. Agricultural operators used modified Invaders for aerial spraying. Fire suppression agencies operated them as air tankers. Racing enthusiasts have campaigned heavily modified Invaders at Reno.

Today, the warbird community maintains a significant number of airworthy Invaders, with several outstanding examples appearing regularly at major airshows. The R-2800 Double Wasp engine is among the best-supported large radials in the world, with an active overhaul community and reasonable parts availability. The twin-engine configuration and side-by-side crew seating make the Invader more accessible to transitioning warbird pilots than many larger single-seat warbirds.

Find a Douglas A-26 Invader on Airplane Trade

Browse Douglas A-26 Invader listings on Airplane Trade to find aircraft from private warbird collections, estate sales, and specialist dealers. Our marketplace serves the serious warbird community with detailed histories, specifications, and direct seller contact. Whether you seek a flying Invader in authentic military markings or a restoration project, Airplane Trade connects you with the best available inventory of this legendary American combat aircraft.