USAF B-26K/A-26A Counter-Invader in Vietnam

The Douglas A-26 Invader (designated B-26 between 1948 and 1965) is an American twin-engined light bomber and ground attack aircraft.
USAF converted 40 Invaders to the new B-26K Counter-Invader standard, which included upgraded engines, propellers, and brakes, re-manufactured wings, and wing tip fuel tanks, for use by the 609th Special Operations Squadron. In May 1966, the B-26K was re-designated A-26A for political reasons (Thailand did not allow the U.S. to have bombers stationed in country at the time, so the Invaders were redesignated with an "A", for attack aircraft) and deployed in Thailand to help disrupt supplies moving along the Ho Chi Minh trail.
en.wikipedia.o...

[@brianguest7211]

I have to say this was an interesting surprise. I would say I know a little more than the average civilian when it comes to military aircraft. My dad was an Air Force crew chief with 2 tours of Vietnam and a purple heart. After spending my entire life within a mile of a military base I can tell the type of almost every military aircraft passing overhead just by the sound yet I have never heard or seen the A-26A before. What an interesting plane.

[@steveo7767]

My Dad was a Navigator on the A-26 based out of Nakhon Phanom Thailand 609th air commandos originally from England Air Force Base NIMROD.

[@ILSRWY4]

One of my top 3 favorite airplanes (and my favorite version of A-26) with F-4 and P-47 being my other two in my top 3.

[@Agislife1960]

Seems like they could've easily been shot down with SAM's

[@nizloc4118]

They werent flying really anywhere where that would be a huge concern.
But ground fire Im sure was a major one...

[@gerrycollins7079]

@@nizloc4118 Armour plating helped.

[@ILSRWY4]

@@nizloc4118 12 out of 30 were shot down by AAA (anti-aircraft artillery).

[@ILSRWY4]

@@gerrycollins7079 It didn't help. 12 out 30 in service were shot down by AAA, a fairly poor combat record which is why it was only used little over 3 years before being replaced by the AC-130.

[@steveo7767]

Flew to low and only at night up and down the Ho Chi Minh trail.

[@zeke3486]

WW2 Aircraft

[@steveo7767]

Vietnam

[@ILSRWY4]

@@steveo7767 No. It IS a World War Two airplane. It just was rebuilt for service in Vietnam. Same with AC-47, it too was a WW2 airplane used in Vietnam.

[@ILSRWY4]

Yes. Rebuilt by On Mark for service in Vietnam.