United States (Navy): Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 21:03, 28 June 2021
The US Navy was the 3rd most prolific operator of the Douglas Invader, after the US Air force, and the French Air Force (Armeé de L'Air). The Navy operated 152 Invaders under the designation JD-1 - or "Jim Dogs", as the sailors called them. The JD-1s were used as utility planes that towed aerial targets and many were modified to be drone carriers and became JD-1D.
In 1962 the Navy combined designation systems with the Air Force. The JD-1 became the UB-26J, and the JD-1D became the DB-26J.
Accuracy of Information
There is a not a lot of information abiut the JD-1s readily available, which may be why much of what is published is wrong.
Some sources only list JD-1s as being active in VU-3, 4, 7, and 10. However, photographic evidence proves the JD-1s were active to some extent in 10 Utility Squadrons.
Similarly, some sources claim that only 141 Invaders were given to the Navy, but qe have BuNos for 156 of them.
Some sources claim that only 1 XJD-1 was developed, but we have photographs of two different XJD-1s.
Due to lack of available records from the Navy, our information is also incomplete. However, despite this limitation, this should be the most accurate information on the JD-1s anywhere, as we are actively comparing the US Navy data with the USAF data and primary and secondary sources to create a clearer picture of the Navy’s planes. As always, we will correct any mistakes and continually update our information as new records become available.
Background and Development
As WWII was winding down the US Navy wanted some aircraft for target tugs and general utility use. The US Army Air Corps happened to have roughly 200 Invaders laying around that they didnt want. These planes had been cutom built for the British Royal Air Force, but the RAF cancelled the order as the war was winding down in Europe and the bombers were superfluous at that point. Being modified to RAF specifications, the USAAC didnt want them.
Two prototypes were developed for the Navy.
The Navy Buoy Number list is incomplete. The US Navy has not yet made these Buoy Number Records available online. As such I can only cross-reference a handful of these planes to their original USAF serials. Naval history and service is limited to what can be gleaned from photos at this time. If you have any additional information that can help fill in gaps, please let us know.
57XXX
These two planes were the original XJD-1 protoypes ordered by the Navy.