41-19505: Difference between revisions

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This plane served as the prototype for what would become the B model Invader - those equipped with hard noses and heavy machine gun armament. One observable difference between the prototype models and the production models was the "propeller spinner" - the cone-shaped piece in the middle of the propeller blades. The prototype units were equipped with this feature, but none of the production models had them.  
This plane served as the prototype for what would become the B model Invader - those equipped with hard noses and heavy machine gun armament. One observable difference between the prototype models and the production models was the "propeller spinner" - the cone-shaped piece in the middle of the propeller blades. The prototype units were equipped with this feature, but none of the production models had them.  
==Operational History==
This plane was a prototype that was purpose-built for testing.
==Accidents==
This plane does not appear in any accident databases.
==Crew==
I have no information on the flight or ground crew of this plane.
==Disposition==
Upon completion of the testing, this plane was written off by the Air Force.


== Images ==
== Images ==

Revision as of 01:51, 15 March 2018

XA-26A Invader
Xa26A2.jpg
Builders: Douglas Aircraft Company
Operators: United States Air Force
Ordered 1941
Number Built: 1
First Built: 1942
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Type: Light Attack Bomber
Dry Weight: -
Wet Weight: -
Length: 51' 3" (15.24 m)
Height: 18' 6" (5.64 m)
Wingspan: 70' (21.34 m)
Wing Area: 540 Sq. Feet (50.17 m²)
Speed: -
Max Speed: -
Ceiling: 22,100 feet (6,700 m)
Powerplant: 2x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-27
Horsepower: 2,000
Fuel Capacity: -
Range: -
Crew: 2
Passengers: 1
ARMAMENT
Nose Guns: None
Dorsal Turret: None
Ventral Turret: None
Payload: 6,000 lbs

See also: List of Invaders by Serial Number


This plane was the second working A-26 Prototype to be fully operational. In July of 1941 Douglas built a full-sized mock-up of the plane with dummy weapons to pitch to the Air Force. That initial display culminated in a contract for two operational prototypes - this plane, and 41-19504 (The XA-26). Later, the Air Force added a third prototype, the XA-26B (41-19588).

This plane was constructed with a solid nose but without the guns in either the nose or the turrets.

There is less information on this particular plane than there is on the XA-26.

This plane served as the prototype for what would become the B model Invader - those equipped with hard noses and heavy machine gun armament. One observable difference between the prototype models and the production models was the "propeller spinner" - the cone-shaped piece in the middle of the propeller blades. The prototype units were equipped with this feature, but none of the production models had them.

Operational History

This plane was a prototype that was purpose-built for testing.

Accidents

This plane does not appear in any accident databases.

Crew

I have no information on the flight or ground crew of this plane.

Disposition

Upon completion of the testing, this plane was written off by the Air Force.

Images

Luckily, being a prototype model, there are some images of this plane.

Xa26A.jpg

The XA-26A Prototype.

XA-26A Prototype.jpg

The XA-26A Protoype on the runway.

A-26 GUNS.jpg

The XA-26A Protoype.

XA26A-Ventral.jpg

A closeup view of the 4 tub-mounted 20mm cannons.