41-19504

XA-26 Invader
Builders: Douglas Aircraft Company
Operators: United States Air Force
Ordered 1941
Number Built: 1
First Built: Early 1941
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: 6x .50 Machine Guns
Dorsal Turret: 2x .50 Machine Guns
Ventral Turret: 2x .50 Machine Guns
Payload: 6,000 lbs

This plane was the first 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 41-19505 (The XA-26A). Later, the Air Force added a third prototype, the XA-26B (41-19588).

This plane was constructed with a glass nose (many sources cite it as "glazed").

The Douglas XA-26 prototype first flew on 10 July 1942 at Mines Field, El Segundo, CA with test pilot Benny Howard at the controls. Flight tests revealed excellent performance and handling, but engine cooling problems led to cowling changes and elimination of the propeller spinners on production aircraft. Repeated collapses during testing led to reinforcement of the nose landing gear.

Having served its purpose, the plane was later written off 16 Mar 1943 at Los Angeles Municipal Airport, CA

Images

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

The XA-26 Prototype during takeoff, 10 JUL 1942.

The XA-26 Protoype in flight.