Douglas A-20 Havoc

Introduction

The Douglas A-20 Havoc was a versatile American attack aircraft that played a significant role during World War II. Known for its adaptability and robust performance, the A-20 was employed in various roles, including light bomber, night fighter, and reconnaissance missions. This article delves into the technical specifications, operational history, and variants of the Douglas A-20 Havoc, providing a comprehensive understanding of its contributions to military aviation.

Development and Design

The development of the A-20 Havoc began in the late 1930s, as the Douglas Aircraft Company sought to create a new light bomber that could meet the requirements of the United States Army Air Corps. The initial design, designated as the DB-7, was a twin-engine aircraft featuring a mid-mounted wing and a tricycle landing gear, which was innovative for its time.

The A-20 was powered by two Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone radial engines, each capable of producing 1,600 horsepower. This powerplant provided the aircraft with a top speed of approximately 317 mph (510 km/h) and a range of 1,025 miles (1,650 km). The aircraft's armament typically included four forward-firing .50 caliber machine guns and a bomb load of up to 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg).

Operational History

The A-20 Havoc first entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1940, under the Lend-Lease program. The RAF utilized the aircraft in a variety of roles, including night fighting and intruder missions, where it was known as the Boston. The aircraft's versatility and performance quickly gained recognition, leading to its adoption by several Allied air forces.

In the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), the A-20 was primarily used in the Pacific Theater, where its speed and maneuverability proved advantageous in low-level bombing and strafing missions against Japanese forces. The aircraft also saw extensive service in the European Theater, supporting ground operations and disrupting enemy supply lines.

The Soviet Union was another major operator of the A-20, receiving over 3,000 units through the Lend-Lease program. The aircraft was highly valued by Soviet pilots for its reliability and effectiveness in ground-attack missions, contributing significantly to the Eastern Front's air campaigns.

Variants

The Douglas A-20 Havoc was produced in several variants, each tailored to specific operational requirements:

**A-20A**: The initial production version, featuring R-2600-3 engines and a crew of three. It was primarily used for training and reconnaissance missions.

**A-20B**: An improved version with a redesigned nose and increased fuel capacity. It was used by the USAAF and the Soviet Air Force.

**A-20C**: Equipped with self-sealing fuel tanks and additional armor, this variant was designed for combat operations. It was widely used by the RAF and the USAAF.

**A-20G**: The most produced variant, featuring a solid nose with six .50 caliber machine guns. It was primarily used for ground-attack missions.

**P-70**: A night fighter variant equipped with radar and additional armament. It was used by the USAAF for night interception missions.

Technical Specifications

The following are the technical specifications for the A-20G variant, which was the most widely produced and used version of the Havoc:

**Crew**: 3 (pilot, navigator/bombardier, gunner)
**Length**: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
**Wingspan**: 61 ft 4 in (18.70 m)
**Height**: 17 ft 7 in (5.36 m)
**Empty weight**: 16,485 lb (7,478 kg)
**Max takeoff weight**: 27,000 lb (12,247 kg)
**Powerplant**: 2 × Wright R-2600-23 radial engines, 1,600 hp (1,193 kW) each
**Maximum speed**: 317 mph (510 km/h)
**Range**: 1,025 mi (1,650 km)
**Service ceiling**: 23,700 ft (7,220 m)
**Armament**: 6 × .50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns, up to 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) of bombs

Legacy

The Douglas A-20 Havoc's legacy is marked by its adaptability and effectiveness in various combat roles. Its contributions to the Allied war effort were significant, providing crucial support in both the European and Pacific Theaters. The aircraft's design influenced subsequent developments in military aviation, paving the way for more advanced attack and bomber aircraft.

The A-20's service with multiple Allied nations underscores its versatility and reliability, earning it a respected place in the annals of World War II aviation history. Its impact on the war and its influence on future aircraft designs remain subjects of interest for aviation historians and enthusiasts alike.