Cockpit Changes

The first Douglas Invaders produced began with a flat-top cockpit. The cockpit had a single hatch that opened forward on the Navigator's side. The first iteration of the cockpit also had large window frames that restricted view. This type of cockpit was found on A-26B production blocks 1, 5, and 15, as well as A26C blocks 1 and 10.

When the canopy is closed the view is very restricted. Having the single, awkward point of entry also made it difficult for crew to bail out.

By the A-26B-15 block and A-26C-15 block that windscreen frames had been reduced in size to allow for better visibility and the windscreen paneling was larger, resulting in fewer cross frames. But, the cockpit still opened forward on the one side.

Ingress, and especially egress during bailout, were very difficult with that forward open design. By the A-26B-30 block, the cockpit hatch had been redesigned to be a "Clamshell" type or Bubble Top, that opened on both sides. This version also raised the pilot's seat a few inches to improve visibility. This allowed the pilot to see over the engines better.