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 A-26B-1 block also had large window frames that restricted view.

By the A-26B-5 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. 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 that opened on both sides.

In later models a "bubble top" cockpit was introduced that raised the pilot's seat a few inches to improve visibility. This allowed the pilot to see over the engines better.