PLEASE SUPPORT THE ARMY AIR CORPS MUSEUM! [MORE]
Ads help support our web operation, if you would like to turn them OFF for this visit;
The B-26 Invader, also known as the Martin B-26, was a twin-engine medium bomber used primarily by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II and later by other air forces around the world. It was designed and manufactured by the Glenn L. Martin Company and became renowned for its speed, durability, and effectiveness in various combat roles.
Description
The B-26 Invader was a mid-wing monoplane with a streamlined fuselage and a crew of three: pilot, navigator/bombardier, and gunner. It featured a solid nose housing the bombardier's position, a transparent canopy for the pilot, and defensive armament positions in the dorsal and ventral turrets. The aircraft was designed for medium-range bombing missions and tactical support roles, known for its high speed and relatively long range.
Specifications
General Characteristics:
Powerplant:
Performance:
Armament:
Avionics:
Operational History
The B-26 Invader entered service in 1941 and saw extensive use during World War II, primarily in the Pacific and European theaters. It was used for medium-range bombing missions, interdiction, and tactical support roles, often flying at low altitudes to evade enemy defenses. The B-26 gained a reputation for its speed and ability to deliver accurate bombing strikes.
After World War II, the B-26 Invader continued its service with the USAF and other air forces, including those of France, where it was used in conflicts such as the First Indochina War and the Algerian War. The aircraft was also adapted for reconnaissance, ground attack, and night interdiction roles, demonstrating its versatility and longevity in military service.
Overall, the B-26 Invader's combination of speed, firepower, and operational flexibility made it a highly effective medium bomber and tactical support aircraft throughout its service life, contributing significantly to Allied air operations during World War II and beyond.
Do you have WWII memorabilia that you are not sure what to do with it? The children don't want it? Then let us help you preserve this history by donating these items to the Army Air Corps Library and Museum. We are accepting donations in the form of uniforms, medals, ribbons, patches, photos, memorabilia, papers, gear and equipment. We also accept monetary donations to support our operations and long term plans. This website is part of the Army Air Corps Library and Museum, and as a 501(c)(3) Non-profit, your qualifying donations are tax deductible.
Read about how we need your support and use donations.
Historical Artifacts: We are looking for photos, documents and other types of artifacts including uniforms, medals, insignia, gear, manuals, and training material. We accept electronic/scans or originals of pictures and paper records. A General Order could be an award document that contains information on many servicemen. Special Orders may contain transfers or other information. Flight records, accident reports, maintenance logs, after action reports, pilot encounter reports, diaries and biorgraphies; all of these types of documents help us support or mission: preserving your history! Contact us today for instructions on sending us this material. Contact Today
Are you an AAC, AAF or USAF Veteran, family member, historian or WW2 enthusiast? We Need YOU! Contact us today to see how you can help the Army Air Corps Library and Museum, a Texas Not-For-Profit Corporation. We need your help! We are looking for volunteers that can help us with the following tasks. Typing and Transcriptionists: One of our big projects is extracting data from the thousands of documents we have and putting this data into a database where we can display the information on a website such as this one. We also need assistance with retyping unit history documents.
