Our Aircraft
Douglas A-26C "Invader"
The Douglas A-26 Invader (B-26 between 1948-1965) was a United States twin-engined light attack bomber built by the Douglas Aircraft Co. during World War II that also saw service during several of the Cold War's major conflicts. A limited number of highly modified aircraft served in combat until 1969. The last A-26 was retired from military service in 1972 by the National Guard Bureau and donated to the National Air and Space Museum.
For more info, see Wikipedia article
History of Our Plane
Douglas A-26C "Invader"
Nov 1944
Manufactured by Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA
Delivered to USAAF as A-26B-30DL 41-39359
Saw service in Europe with the 9th Air Force during the Battle of the Bulge.
Served during the Korean War with the 3rd Bomb Wing, Far East Air Forces, Kunsan AB, Korea.
unknown Stored, Davis Monthan AFB, AZ.
Nov 1956
Put up for disposal
1966-1970
Aero Union Corp, Chico, CA
Registered as N91281
1970-1986
Conair Aviation Ltd, Abbotsford, BC,
Registered as CF-BMR
Flew as tanker #21
1979
Registered as C-FBMR
Jan 1987
Jerry C. Janes, Rockford, IL, Jan. 24, 1987
Nov 1987-1998
Robert J. Pond/Planes Of Fame East, Minneapolis, MN
Registered as N26BP
Flew as 39386/21
1998-2002
Bob Pond/Pond Warbirds LLC/Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs, CA
Flown as 39359/21 "Invader"'
April 2008
Purchased by Rick Sharpe for the Marine Aviation Museum
Currently being prepped for ferry to Houston.
May 2008
Aircraft ferried to Houston's Hobby Airport for further work.
Some plexiglass replaced, repainted blue markings (minus the "21" on tail) and name changed to "Guns for Hire". Returned to air show service.
39359 has been converted to an A-26C with the installation of a glass nose. It has not been determined when this was done.
Technical Specifications
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Wing Span: 70 ft
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Length: 51 feet 3 inches
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Height: 18 feet 6 inches
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Engine: (2) Pratt & Whitney R-2800-799-cylinder radial, 2,000hp
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Empty Weight: 22,850 pounds
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Gross Weight: 34,927 pounds
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Cruise Speed: 284mph
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Maximum Speed: 355mph
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Range: 3,200 nautical miles
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Crew: 3
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Number Built: 2,502
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Model: A-26C
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Year Built: 1944
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Bureau #: 39359
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C/N: 7072
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Civil Registration: NX26BP