List of A-26 Invader operators
Encyclopedia
The List of A-26 Invader operators lists the nations, their air force units, and civilian companies that have operated the Douglas
A-26 Invader (re-designated B-26 Invader after 1947):
Biafran Air Force
Biafra acquired and used (at least) two provisionally armed B-26s during Nigerian Civil War
. Former French Air Force (of the CEV test centre) B-26R, USAAF serial 41-39531, put up for sale, 11 July 1966. Registered to Pan Eurasian Trading Company, Luxembourg
, 2 August 1966 (N64Y?) as "an investment," never operated; "resold to a Mr Ernest A. Koenig - a German-American residing in Luxembourg
." It seems very likely that Mr Koenig acted as an agent for Eastern Nigeria, and one source claims that the real buyer was a "French company, which paid good money for the aircraft." It has been claimed that the Biafrans (who had purchasing agents in France) ended up paying as much as $320,000 for it. Although there is no direct evidence for contacts between Mr Koenig and the Eastern Nigerians at this stage, it should be mentioned that he was later also involved in the sale of C-47
s to Biafra
.
In late October, Koenig had the Invader placed on the U.S. register as N12756, the airframe stored at Courtrai-Wevelghem
in Belgium
. Taken out of storage and prepped for delivery to Africa in early June 1967. Ferried to Lisbon
by Belgian pilot in mid-June. Departed Lisbon 26 June, flown by former French CEV pilot and ex-Polish squadron co-pilot, arriving at Biafran capital Enugu on 29 June 1967. Known as "The Shark" with a crudely-applied shark's mouth and a single nose-mounted machine gun, it was abandoned at Enugu on 4 October 1967 in a damaged condition.
A second former French Invader, RB-26P, USAAF 44-34312, registered F-BMJR, one of five sold to aerial survey company Société Carta by the Armée de l'Air in 1966, and last seen at Creil
near Paris
in June 1967, was flown to Biafra in August 1967 by two American pilots. "It was sold to Biafra through the French arms dealer Pierre Laureys, who had also been involved in the sale of the first Invader." (Some reports claim that an Invader carrying the bogus registration N1888T was delivered to Biafra. There might be possibly some connection with this RB-26P.)
It was painted in a similar camouflage scheme to the first B-26, but with no shark's mouth. It commenced operations using locally produced ordinance until damaged in accident 2 December 1967 and grounded. Abandoned at Port Harcourt in damaged condition due to a lack of spares. Captured by Nigerian forces 18 May 1968, it damaged sufficiently by BAF commandos on 19 May 1968 to prevent operation.
Neither Invader received a BAF serial.
Brazilian Air Force
FAB Invaders were redesignated from B-26 to A-26 in 1970, FAB 5176 being the exception.
Honduran Air Force
"The last Latin American air arm to acquire a B-26, and place the type in active combat-configured service, Honduras also holds the distinction of being the very last air arm to operate the type anywhere."
The need for a replacement for the bomber
and close air support fleet in Africa during the Colonial War
, composed of the PV-2 Harpoon and of the F-84G Thunderjet
, led to the procurement by the Portuguese Air Force
of a new bomber in the mid-sixties. But it would prove difficult to acquire new aircraft because of the United Nations
arms embargo then in force against Portugal, so special methods had to be used. In late 1964, with the decision made to acquire the B-26 Invader
a contact was established with an arms broker in order to try to obtain 20 B-26 Invader aircraft.
The arms dealer, Luber SA in Geneva
, signed an agreement with Aero Associates of Arizona to supply 20 aircraft that would be refurbished by Hamilton Aircraft. The first B-26 would be delivered by 30 April 1965 and the last one by January 1966. Besides the aircraft, a lot of spare parts and accessories would also be included in the purchase.
It is not clear how the export licenses were obtained, but in May 1965 the first aircraft, piloted by John Hawke
, was ferried from Tucson
to Tancos, Portugal, through Rochester, Torbay, Canada, and Santa Maria
, Azores. By August 1965, seven aircraft had already been delivered.
In September the U.S. Customs arrested Hawke and other people involved in the arms deal and prevented a C-46 transporting spare parts to Portugal from leaving the United States.
In December 1966, with only seven B-26 bombers and their provisions for armament, although without armament, the decision was made to equip the aircraft with the following: six .50 cal Browning M2 machine guns on the nose; two suspension points 50 or 200 kg bombs, and equipment for releasing 15 kg bombs, on the bomb-bay; and two suspension points per wing, allowing the alternate or combined use of two 200 kg bombs or six 50 kg bombs.
The installation of rocket launchers under the wings was also possible, thus allowing the use of four rockets of 2.5", 18 rockets of 37 mm, or 36 of 37 mm per point.
Until 1970 it was very difficult to start operating all the seven aircraft due to the lack of spare parts, however, at least it was possible to begin operational testing with three aircraft. That same year these three first B-26 were sent to Guinea-Bissau
as a detachment to test the aircraft in a tropical climate.
Meanwhile, efforts to try to obtain the spare parts and armament continued. Many contacts and visits were made with other countries operating the B-26, including at least one visit to Brazil that was also operating the A-26 at the time. In September 1967, one of the first contacts took place with a visit to Chateaudun, France
, during which 13 former-French Air Force
were offered for sale, including seven aircraft equipped with radar. All of the aircraft had between 3,000 and 8,000 flight hours in total. The offer was rejected, probably due to the state of the aircraft.
Other spontaneous offers were also received; one of them was the proposal of six former-Guatemalan Air Force
B-26 in January 1971, by 950,000 USD each. Mentioned was also the possibility of obtaining former-Nicaragua
n B-26. These offers were also rejected.
In 1971 the complete refurbishment of the seven aircraft started at the OGMA
workshops with spare parts obtained from France. The bombers were completely stripped down, the wing-spars reinforced and the armament installed. In addition the read windows were covered. By November 1971, all aircraft had been refurbished except for the 7104 that was scrapped due to heavy corrosion found when the stripping started.
The next year, 1972, many testing trips were made to Azores
, Madeira
and Canary Islands
. In 1973 all the six aircraft were sent to Angola
to replace F-84G fighters of 93 Squadron.
The aircraft operated until 1975, mainly for armed reconnaissance. After the war all six were left in Angola. Later one B-26 was taken to Cuba, reportedly 7101.
Portuguese Air Force
Royal Saudi Air Force
Vietnam Air Force
B-26 aircraft operated in Vietnamese markings were actually part of the US Air Force and crewed by Americans.
Royal Air Force
United States Army Air Force
United States Air Force
United States Navy
Douglas Aircraft Company
The Douglas Aircraft Company was an American aerospace manufacturer, based in Long Beach, California. It was founded in 1921 by Donald Wills Douglas, Sr. and later merged with McDonnell Aircraft in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas...
A-26 Invader (re-designated B-26 Invader after 1947):
Biafra
Biafran Air ForceBiafra acquired and used (at least) two provisionally armed B-26s during Nigerian Civil War
Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War, 6 July 1967–15 January 1970, was a political conflict caused by the attempted secession of the southeastern provinces of Nigeria as the self-proclaimed Republic of Biafra...
. Former French Air Force (of the CEV test centre) B-26R, USAAF serial 41-39531, put up for sale, 11 July 1966. Registered to Pan Eurasian Trading Company, Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg , officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg , is a landlocked country in western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. It has two principal regions: the Oesling in the North as part of the Ardennes massif, and the Gutland in the south...
, 2 August 1966 (N64Y?) as "an investment," never operated; "resold to a Mr Ernest A. Koenig - a German-American residing in Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg , officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg , is a landlocked country in western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. It has two principal regions: the Oesling in the North as part of the Ardennes massif, and the Gutland in the south...
." It seems very likely that Mr Koenig acted as an agent for Eastern Nigeria, and one source claims that the real buyer was a "French company, which paid good money for the aircraft." It has been claimed that the Biafrans (who had purchasing agents in France) ended up paying as much as $320,000 for it. Although there is no direct evidence for contacts between Mr Koenig and the Eastern Nigerians at this stage, it should be mentioned that he was later also involved in the sale of C-47
C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...
s to Biafra
Biafra
Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a secessionist state in south-eastern Nigeria that existed from 30 May 1967 to 15 January 1970, taking its name from the Bight of Biafra . The inhabitants were mostly the Igbo people who led the secession due to economic, ethnic, cultural and religious...
.
In late October, Koenig had the Invader placed on the U.S. register as N12756, the airframe stored at Courtrai-Wevelghem
Kortrijk-Wevelgem International Airport
Kortrijk-Wevelgem International Airport is located in Belgium, partly in the town of Wevelgem and also in Bissegem, a part of the city of Kortrijk. It is mainly used as a business airport. One of the main users of this airport is Abelag Aviation, though it is also used by flying clubs and schools...
in Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
. Taken out of storage and prepped for delivery to Africa in early June 1967. Ferried to Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city and largest city of Portugal with a population of 545,245 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3 million on an area of , making it the 9th most populous urban...
by Belgian pilot in mid-June. Departed Lisbon 26 June, flown by former French CEV pilot and ex-Polish squadron co-pilot, arriving at Biafran capital Enugu on 29 June 1967. Known as "The Shark" with a crudely-applied shark's mouth and a single nose-mounted machine gun, it was abandoned at Enugu on 4 October 1967 in a damaged condition.
A second former French Invader, RB-26P, USAAF 44-34312, registered F-BMJR, one of five sold to aerial survey company Société Carta by the Armée de l'Air in 1966, and last seen at Creil
Creil
Creil is a large town in northern France. It is designated municipally as a commune within the département of Oise.-History:Archaeological remains in the area include a Neolithic site, as well as a late Iron Age necropolis, perhaps belonging to a Gaulish fortress or protected camp.The city itself...
near Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
in June 1967, was flown to Biafra in August 1967 by two American pilots. "It was sold to Biafra through the French arms dealer Pierre Laureys, who had also been involved in the sale of the first Invader." (Some reports claim that an Invader carrying the bogus registration N1888T was delivered to Biafra. There might be possibly some connection with this RB-26P.)
It was painted in a similar camouflage scheme to the first B-26, but with no shark's mouth. It commenced operations using locally produced ordinance until damaged in accident 2 December 1967 and grounded. Abandoned at Port Harcourt in damaged condition due to a lack of spares. Captured by Nigerian forces 18 May 1968, it damaged sufficiently by BAF commandos on 19 May 1968 to prevent operation.
Neither Invader received a BAF serial.
Brazilian Air Force
Brazilian Air Force
The Brazilian Air Force is the air branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces and one of the three national uniformed services. The FAB was formed when the Army and Navy air branch were merged into a single military force initially called "National Air Forces"...
- B-26B FAB 5145, 41-39246, taken on charge September 1957, refurbished 1968, withdrawn from use, stricken 1975.
- B-26B FAB 5146, 43-22469, taken on charge September 1957, struck off charge 14 July 1967, crashed on T-O at NatalNatal, Rio Grande do Norte-History:The northeastern tip of South America, Cabo São Roque, to the north of Natal and the closest point to Europe from Latin America, was first visited by European navigators in 1501, in the 1501–1502 Portuguese expedition led by Amerigo Vespucci, who named the spot after the saint of the day...
. - B-26B FAB 5147, 43-22496, taken on charge September 1957, refurbished 1968, withdrawn from use, struck off charge 1975.
- B-26B FAB 5148, 43-22597, taken on charge September 1957, struck off charge 5 August 1965, written-off at NatalNatal, Rio Grande do Norte-History:The northeastern tip of South America, Cabo São Roque, to the north of Natal and the closest point to Europe from Latin America, was first visited by European navigators in 1501, in the 1501–1502 Portuguese expedition led by Amerigo Vespucci, who named the spot after the saint of the day...
. - B-26B FAB 5149, B-26C FAB 5149, 44-34163, taken on charge 1957, refurbished 1968 into B-26C, withdrawn from use, struck off charge April 1974.
- B-26B FAB 5150, 44-34196, taken on charge 1957, refurbished 1968, withdrawn from use, struck off charge 1975.
- B-26B FAB 5151, 44-34207, taken on charge 1957, written off at NatalNatal, Rio Grande do Norte-History:The northeastern tip of South America, Cabo São Roque, to the north of Natal and the closest point to Europe from Latin America, was first visited by European navigators in 1501, in the 1501–1502 Portuguese expedition led by Amerigo Vespucci, who named the spot after the saint of the day...
, struck off charge, 9 August 1965. - B-26B FAB 5152, 44-34208, taken on charge 1957, withdrawn from use and struck off charge January 1975.
- B-26B FAB 5153, 44-35235, taken on charge 1957, refurbished 1968, withdrawn from use, struck off charge 1975.
- B-26B FAB 5154, 44-35405, taken on charge 1957, written off 13 June 1958, São José de MipibuSão José de MipibuSão José de Mipibu is a town and municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Norte in the Northeast region of Brazil.- References :...
, SP state. - B-26B FAB 5155, 44-35415, taken on charge 1957, written off 28 September 1965, NiquelândiaNiquelândiaNiquelândia is a small city and municipality in northern Goiás state, Brazil. It is the largest municipality in the state in area and is an important producer of minerals.-Geography:...
, GO state. - B-26B FAB 5156, 44-35586, taken on charge 1957, refurbished 1968, withdrawn from use, struck off charge December 1975. Was displayed at FAB Academy in 1 o/ 10 o GAv markings. Transferred to ParnamirimParnamirimParnamirim is a city in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. It is located at around . Augusto Severo International Airport, the airport serving the city of Natal, is located there....
in 1987. - B-26B FAB 5157, 44-35610, taken on charge 1957, refurbished 1968, withdrawn from use, struck off charge December 1973.
- B-26B FAB 5158, 44-35713, taken on charge 1957, refurbished 1968, withdrawn from use, struck off charge August 1972.
- B-26C FAB 5159, B-26B FAB 5159, 41-39288, taken on charge 1957, refurbished 1968 into B-26B. Withdrawn from use, now displayed at Museu AeroespacialMuseu AeroespacialMuseu Aeroespacial is a national aviation museum located 25 km west of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.-History:The Museu Aeroespacial was inaugurated on 18 October 1976 at the installations of the old Escola de Aeronáutica , at Afonsos Air Force Base - the "Cradle of Military...
, Campo dos Afonsos, near Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
. - B-26C FAB 5160, B-26B FAB 5160, 43-22271, taken on charge 1957, refurbished 1968 into B-26B. Withdrawn from use, struck off charge December 1975.
- B-26C FAB 5161, 43-22415, taken on charge 1958, to have been refurbished 1968 but found to be too badly corroded. Withdrawn from use, struck off charge June 1968.
- B-26C FAB 5162, 43-22456, taken on charge 1958, refurbished 1968, withdrawn from use, struck off charge 1975.
- B-26C FAB 5163, 43-22457, taken on charge 1958, withdrawn from use, struck of charge October 1967.
- B-26C FAB 5164, 43-22461, taken on charge 1958, withdrawn from use, struck off charge June 1968.
- B-26C FAB 5165, 43-22472, taken on charge 1958, withdrawn from use, struck off charge October 1967.
- B-26C FAB 5166, 43-22477, taken on charge 1958, withdrawn from use, struck off charge June 1968.
- B-26C FAB 5167, 43-22605, taken on charge 1958, written off at CaravelasCaravelasCaravelas is a fishing village of about 20,000 inhabitants in southern Bahia, Brazil, a few miles above the mouth of the Caravelas River.It was founded in 1581 by Portuguese settlers. Caravelas was once the centre of a flourishing whale fishery. It is the port of the Bahia & Minas railway....
, BA state, 10 June 1963. - B-26C FAB 5168, 44-34120, taken on charge 1958, withdrawn from use, struck off charge June 1968.
- B-26C FAB 5169, 44-34329, taken on charge 1958, withdrawn from use, struck off charge June 1968.
- B-26C FAB 5170, B-26B FAB 5170, 44-35264, taken on charge February 1958, refurbished 1969 into B-26B. Withdrawn from use, struck off charge December 1975.
- B-26C FAB 5171, B-26B FAB 5171, 44-35790, taken on charge February 1958, refurbished 1968 still as B-26C, but later reconfigured into B-26B in Brazil. Withdrawn from use, struck off charge December 1975.
- B-26C FAB 5172, 44-35902, taken on charge February 1958, refurbished 1968, withdrawn from use, struck off charge December 1975.
- B-26C FAB 5173, 44-34615, N4817E, taken on charge June 1969, withdrawn from use between 1973 and 1975, struck off charge circa 1974.
- B-26C FAB 5174, 44-34749, N4823E, taken on charge June 1969, withdrawn from use, struck off charge December 1975, originally preserved at ESPAer near Sâo PauloSão PauloSão Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere and South America, and the world's seventh largest city by population. The metropolis is anchor to the São Paulo metropolitan area, ranked as the second-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas and among...
but sold back to USA as N4823E circa 1984. - B-26C FAB 5175, 44-35969, N8628E, taken on charge June 1969, withdrawn from use, struck off charge December 1975.
- CB-26 FAB 5176, later C-26 FAB 5176, 44-34134, N115RG, N4974N, civilian aircraft impounded 21 June 1966, taken on charge 1970, used as a transport, withdrawn from use, struck off charge January 1975, preserved with Museu de Armas e Veiculos Motorizidos Antigos, BebedouroBebedouroBebedouro is a municipality in the state of São Paulo in Brazil. The population in 2003 was 78,433. The area is . The elevation is . The distance from São Paulo city is about 390 km....
, SP state.
FAB Invaders were redesignated from B-26 to A-26 in 1970, FAB 5176 being the exception.
Honduran Air Force
Honduran Air Force
The Honduras Air Force is the air force of Honduras. As such it is the air power arm of the Honduras Armed Forces.-History:...
"The last Latin American air arm to acquire a B-26, and place the type in active combat-configured service, Honduras also holds the distinction of being the very last air arm to operate the type anywhere."
The need for a replacement for the bomber
Bomber
A bomber is a military aircraft designed to attack ground and sea targets, by dropping bombs on them, or – in recent years – by launching cruise missiles at them.-Classifications of bombers:...
and close air support fleet in Africa during the Colonial War
Portuguese Colonial War
The Portuguese Colonial War , also known in Portugal as the Overseas War or in the former colonies as the War of liberation , was fought between Portugal's military and the emerging nationalist movements in Portugal's African colonies between 1961 and 1974, when the Portuguese regime was...
, composed of the PV-2 Harpoon and of the F-84G Thunderjet
F-84 Thunderjet
The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American turbojet fighter-bomber aircraft. Originating as a 1944 United States Army Air Forces proposal for a "day fighter", the F-84 flew in 1946...
, led to the procurement by the Portuguese Air Force
Portuguese Air Force
The Portuguese Air Force is the air force of Portugal. Formed on July 1, 1952, with the Aeronáutica Militar and Aviação Naval united in a single independent Air Force, it is one of the three branches of the Portuguese Armed Forces and its origins dates back to 1912, when the military aviation...
of a new bomber in the mid-sixties. But it would prove difficult to acquire new aircraft because of the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
arms embargo then in force against Portugal, so special methods had to be used. In late 1964, with the decision made to acquire the B-26 Invader
A-26 Invader
The Douglas A-26 Invader 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 contact was established with an arms broker in order to try to obtain 20 B-26 Invader aircraft.
The arms dealer, Luber SA in Geneva
Geneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
, signed an agreement with Aero Associates of Arizona to supply 20 aircraft that would be refurbished by Hamilton Aircraft. The first B-26 would be delivered by 30 April 1965 and the last one by January 1966. Besides the aircraft, a lot of spare parts and accessories would also be included in the purchase.
It is not clear how the export licenses were obtained, but in May 1965 the first aircraft, piloted by John Hawke
John Hawke
John Anthony Hawke was a Conservative Party politician in England who served in the 1920s as Member of Parliament for St Ives in Cornwall, before becoming a High Court judge....
, was ferried from Tucson
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a city in and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States. The city is located 118 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The 2010 United States Census puts the city's population at 520,116 with a metropolitan area population at 1,020,200...
to Tancos, Portugal, through Rochester, Torbay, Canada, and Santa Maria
Santa Maria Island
Santa Maria , Portuguese for Saint Mary, is an island located in the eastern group of the Azores archipelago and the southernmost island in the Azores...
, Azores. By August 1965, seven aircraft had already been delivered.
In September the U.S. Customs arrested Hawke and other people involved in the arms deal and prevented a C-46 transporting spare parts to Portugal from leaving the United States.
In December 1966, with only seven B-26 bombers and their provisions for armament, although without armament, the decision was made to equip the aircraft with the following: six .50 cal Browning M2 machine guns on the nose; two suspension points 50 or 200 kg bombs, and equipment for releasing 15 kg bombs, on the bomb-bay; and two suspension points per wing, allowing the alternate or combined use of two 200 kg bombs or six 50 kg bombs.
The installation of rocket launchers under the wings was also possible, thus allowing the use of four rockets of 2.5", 18 rockets of 37 mm, or 36 of 37 mm per point.
Until 1970 it was very difficult to start operating all the seven aircraft due to the lack of spare parts, however, at least it was possible to begin operational testing with three aircraft. That same year these three first B-26 were sent to Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Senegal to the north, and Guinea to the south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west....
as a detachment to test the aircraft in a tropical climate.
Meanwhile, efforts to try to obtain the spare parts and armament continued. Many contacts and visits were made with other countries operating the B-26, including at least one visit to Brazil that was also operating the A-26 at the time. In September 1967, one of the first contacts took place with a visit to Chateaudun, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, during which 13 former-French Air Force
French Air Force
The French Air Force , literally Army of the Air) is the air force of the French Armed Forces. It was formed in 1909 as the Service Aéronautique, a service arm of the French Army, then was made an independent military arm in 1933...
were offered for sale, including seven aircraft equipped with radar. All of the aircraft had between 3,000 and 8,000 flight hours in total. The offer was rejected, probably due to the state of the aircraft.
Other spontaneous offers were also received; one of them was the proposal of six former-Guatemalan Air Force
Guatemalan Air Force
The Guatemalan Air Force is a small air force composed mostly of U.S.-made aircraft throughout its history....
B-26 in January 1971, by 950,000 USD each. Mentioned was also the possibility of obtaining former-Nicaragua
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest country in the Central American American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The country is situated between 11 and 14 degrees north of the Equator in the Northern Hemisphere, which places it entirely within the tropics. The Pacific Ocean...
n B-26. These offers were also rejected.
In 1971 the complete refurbishment of the seven aircraft started at the OGMA
OGMA
Founded in 1918, OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, S.A., has dedicated ever since to the maintenance of aircraft and aircraft engines, as well as to the manufacturing of aircraft components and to aircraft engineering and logistic support. OGMA is situated in Alverca, approximately 15 km...
workshops with spare parts obtained from France. The bombers were completely stripped down, the wing-spars reinforced and the armament installed. In addition the read windows were covered. By November 1971, all aircraft had been refurbished except for the 7104 that was scrapped due to heavy corrosion found when the stripping started.
The next year, 1972, many testing trips were made to Azores
Azores
The Archipelago of the Azores is composed of nine volcanic islands situated in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, and is located about west from Lisbon and about east from the east coast of North America. The islands, and their economic exclusion zone, form the Autonomous Region of the...
, Madeira
Madeira
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago that lies between and , just under 400 km north of Tenerife, Canary Islands, in the north Atlantic Ocean and an outermost region of the European Union...
and Canary Islands
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands , also known as the Canaries , is a Spanish archipelago located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa, 100 km west of the border between Morocco and the Western Sahara. The Canaries are a Spanish autonomous community and an outermost region of the European Union...
. In 1973 all the six aircraft were sent to Angola
Angola
Angola, officially the Republic of Angola , is a country in south-central Africa bordered by Namibia on the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the north, and Zambia on the east; its west coast is on the Atlantic Ocean with Luanda as its capital city...
to replace F-84G fighters of 93 Squadron.
The aircraft operated until 1975, mainly for armed reconnaissance. After the war all six were left in Angola. Later one B-26 was taken to Cuba, reportedly 7101.
| Designation | |PoAF Serial | |Retired | |Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-26B-60/61-DL | 44-34535 | 7101 | May 1965 | 1975 | 26 April 1971 | Solid nose |
| B-26B-55/65-DL | 44-34328 | 7102 | 1965 | 1975 | January 1972 | Equipped with Plexiglas nose |
| B-26C-40-DT | 44-35631 | 7103 | 1965 | 1975 | November 1971 | Solid nose |
| B-26B-66-DL | 44-34726 | 7104 | 1965 | 1973 | 26 September 1967 | Scrapped by decision of March 1973. Some parts preserved for the Air Force Air Museum |
| B-26B-20-DT | 43-22427 | 7105 | 1965 | 1975 | September 1971 | |
| B-26B-40-DL | 41-39517 | 7106 | 1965 | 1975 | 28 July 1969 | |
| B-26C-35-DT | 44-35363 | 7107 | 1965 | 1975 | 9 September 1970 | |
Portuguese Air Force
Portuguese Air Force
The Portuguese Air Force is the air force of Portugal. Formed on July 1, 1952, with the Aeronáutica Militar and Aviação Naval united in a single independent Air Force, it is one of the three branches of the Portuguese Armed Forces and its origins dates back to 1912, when the military aviation...
- "Diabos", testing detachment located in Portugal and at BissauBissauBissau is the capital city of Guinea-Bissau. The city's borders are conterminous with the Bissau Autonomous Sector. In 2007, the city had an estimated population of 407,424 according to the Instituto Nacional de Estatística e Censos...
, Portuguese GuineaPortuguese GuineaPortuguese Guinea was the name for what is today Guinea-Bissau from 1446 to September 10, 1974.-History:... - 91 Squadron, bomber and close air support squadron based at LuandaLuandaLuanda, formerly named São Paulo da Assunção de Loanda, is the capital and largest city of Angola. Located on Angola's coast with the Atlantic Ocean, Luanda is both Angola's chief seaport and its administrative center. It has a population of at least 5 million...
, AngolaAngolaAngola, officially the Republic of Angola , is a country in south-central Africa bordered by Namibia on the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the north, and Zambia on the east; its west coast is on the Atlantic Ocean with Luanda as its capital city...
Royal Saudi Air Force
Royal Saudi Air Force
The Royal Saudi Air Force , is the aviation branch of the Saudi Arabian armed forces. The RSAF has developed from a largely defensive military force into one with an advanced offensive capability...
South Vietnam
Vietnam Air ForceVietnam Air Force
The Vietnam Air Force began with a few hand-picked men chosen to fly alongside French pilots during the State of Vietnam era. It eventually grew into the world’s sixth largest air force at the height of its power, in 1974...
B-26 aircraft operated in Vietnamese markings were actually part of the US Air Force and crewed by Americans.
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
- Three A-26s were evaluated by the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental EstablishmentAeroplane and Armament Experimental EstablishmentThe Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment was a research facility for British military aviation from 1918 to 1992.-History:...
in 1944—45. While it was planned for Britain to acquire 140 Invaders under Lend-LeaseLend-LeaseLend-Lease was the program under which the United States of America supplied the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, China, Free France, and other Allied nations with materiel between 1941 and 1945. It was signed into law on March 11, 1941, a year and a half after the outbreak of war in Europe in...
, these plans were abandoned in April 1945, owing to the imminent end to the war in Europe.
United States
United States Army Air ForceUnited States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
Civilian operators
After military service, many B-26 aircraft were converted for use as "executive" personnel transports. From the late 1950s to the early 1970s, a similar number of B-26s were converted for use as "airtankers" and used to fight forest fires in the United States and subsequently in Canada into the late 1990s.- Air Spray, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
- Conair Group Inc., Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
- Kenting Aviation Ltd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Aeroflight Inc, Troutdale, Oregon
- Aero UnionAero UnionFor the Mexico City based cargo Airline see AeroUnionAero Union Corporation is an aircraft operation & maintenance company based in Chico, California, United States...
Corp, Chico, California - Air America, Washington DC
- Aircraft Specialties, Mesa, Arizona
- Bell Helicopter, Fort Worth, Texas
- Butler Aircraft Co, (Calvin J Butler), Redmond, Oregon
- Calspan Flight Research, Buffalo, New York
- Central Air Service, Rantoul, Kansas and East Wenatchee, Washington state
- Cornell Aero Lab, Buffalo, New York
- William A Dempsay (dba Central Air Service), Rantoul, Kansas
- Donaire Inc, Deer Valley, Arizona
- Flight Enterprises, Prescott, Arizona
- Garrett AiResearchGarrett AiResearchGarrett AiResearch was a manufacturer of turboprop engines and turbochargers, and a pioneer in numerous aerospace technologies. It was previously known as Aircraft Tool and Supply Company, Garrett Supply Company, AiResearch Manufacturing Company, or simply AiResearch...
, Phoenix, Arizona - Gulf Air Inc (CIA), Miami, Florida
- Hillcrest Aviation, La Grande, Oregon
- Hughes AircraftHughes AircraftHughes Aircraft Company was a major American aerospace and defense contractor founded in 1932 by Howard Hughes in Culver City, California as a division of Hughes Tool Company...
, Culver City, California - Idaho Air Tankers Inc, Boise, Idaho
- Johnson Flying Service, Billings, Montana
- RG LeTourneau Inc, Longview, Texas
- Lynch Air Tankers (Lynch Flying Service), Billings, Montana
- Nine Ten Corp, Chicago, Illinois
- Occidental Leasing (Occidental Oil), Los Angeles, California
- Pan American Petroleum Corp, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- PFB Enterprises ?
- Phillips Petroleum Company, Oklahoma
- Reeder Flying Service, Twin Falls, Idaho
- Rock Island Oil and Refining Co, Hutchinson, Kansas
- Rosenbalm Aviation Inc, Medford, Oregon
- Stahmann Farms Inc, Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Standard Oil of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
- Standard Oil of California)
- Stanolind Oil & Gas Co, Tulsa, Oklahoma
See also
- A-26 InvaderA-26 InvaderThe Douglas A-26 Invader 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-26 Invader survivors