Douglas A-26A Invader
Pima Air and Space Museum
Aug 6, 2004
As far as I am concerned, the DoD really screwed up with designating this aircraft. Both the Douglas A-26 and Martin B-26 flew in WW-II. The B-26 was quickly retired, but the newer design A-26 stayed in service, even fighting in the Korean War. But, the USAF didn't like the attack designator, so the A-26 was redseignated as the B-26. Early in the Viet Nam war, the DoD decided they needed some kind of close air support aircraft, so On-Mark engineering modified a "B-26". DoD liked it enough to sign a contract for for 40 aircraft. They were given newserial numbers and called B-26K. Then, when DoD decided to reinstate the "A" designator, rather than calling the aircraft an A-26K, , they called it an A-26A. Why?
Douglas A-26A Invader
Pima Air and Space Museum
Aug 6, 2004
As far as I am concerned, the DoD really screwed up with designating this aircraft. Both the Douglas A-26 and Martin B-26 flew in WW-II. The B-26 was quickly retired, but the newer design A-26 stayed in service, even fighting in the Korean War. But, the USAF didn't like the attack designator, so the A-26 was redseignated as the B-26. Early in the Viet Nam war, the DoD decided they needed some kind of close air support aircraft, so On-Mark engineering modified a "B-26". DoD liked it enough to sign a contract for for 40 aircraft. They were given newserial numbers and called B-26K. Then, when DoD decided to reinstate the "A" designator, rather than calling the aircraft an A-26K, , they called it an A-26A. Why?