SEEING OFFICIAL COMBAT and civilian service for over 40 years, the Douglas A-26 Invader included two monstrous Pratt & Whitney R2800 radial engines, a wingspan of 70 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 35,000 pounds. What set the Invader apart from its contemporaries was its blistering top speed of 355mph and its ability to carry a tremendous bomb load with a range of 1,400 miles.

Originally designed as a tactical support aircraft for the Army Air Corps in the early 1940s and first seeing service in 1943, the Invader served in WW II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Although later renamed the B-26 Invader after it replaced the retiring B-26 Marauder in 1948, it was again re-designated in May of 1966 as the A-26A. The A-26 has also been used as a target drone tug, a counter-insurgence aircraft (B-26K with 2500hp), and as a firefighter for the National Forestry Service

THE FACT THAT THE A-26 IS A LARGE, TWIN-ENGINE WARBIRD SHOULD NOT SCARE YOU

Knowing the left turning tendencies of a propeller-driven airplane, I expected the need for right rudder with not one, but two engines turning out front. I chose to use the ever-reliable Nelson Hobbies Intelligent Glow Driver (IGD) system (nelsonhobby.com) for each engine as added security. Each unit features a microprocessor to control power to the glow plug based on heat rather than the traditional throttle position, as is common with many units. I chose to make one aborted takeoff run at – throttle to check controllability on the ground and note the acceleration. I let the airplane get light on the nose then pulled the throttles to idle and taxied back for the real thing. Much to my surprise, the airplane held a nice, straight track and required average right rudder input. The takeoff is very predictable with a steady application of power and light back pressure during rotation and climbout.

General Flight Performance

STABILITY The fact that the A-26 is a large, twin-engine warbird should not scare you. This airplane required very little trim adjustments on the first flight. A bit of up-elevator and just a hint of right rudder was all that was needed. Climbs, turns and descents were easily controlled throughout the entire speed range.

TRACKING Proper engine setup can make or break how a twin-engine airplane tracks. If one engine is not in sync with the other, a yaw is induced and will cause the airplane to skid. Special care was taken to set up the A-26 and I couldn’t be happier with its tracking. It tracks extremely well both on the ground and in the air.

AEROBATICS Although a few rolls and loops were accomplished, this is certainly not a 3D machine. This is a high-performance bomber known for its speed and agility. If you choose to roll the airplane, use the high rates and be sure to use a bit of top side rudder as you roll through knife-edge, and forward stick is a necessity as you roll through inverted. Remember, it’s a bomber, not a fighter.