NM Air National Guard Douglas A-26B/C Invader

The Douglas A-26 ” Invader” is an American twin-engine light bomber and ground attack aircraft. Built by the Douglas Aircraft Company during World War II, the Invader also saw service decades later during several major conflicts. A limited number of highly modified United States Air Force aircraft served in Southeast Asia until 1969. It was a fast aircraft capable of carrying a large bomb load. A range of guns could be added to produce a formidable ground-attack aircraft. The A-26 designation was redesignated the B-26 between 1948 and 1965.

The New Mexico Air National Guard had three A-26s assigned at Kirtland Air Force Base beginning in 1947. Two of the aircraft were B models and the third was the C model.   Two of the aircraft used by the NM Air National Guard from 1947 until 1950 were documented as 59456 and 434311.