1/48 ICM A-26B-15 Invader, WWII American Bomber 48282

The latecomer A-26 Invader combined the largely eclipsed, but historically important, 'Attack' category in the USAAF inventory with that of medium bomber, and proved a highly capable combat aircraft performing this amalgam of roles. The aircraft was intended to offer the weight-carrying capability of the Martin B-26 Marauder and the versatility of the Douglas A-20 Havoc - both excellent designs that served with distinction across all theatres. In short, the Invader was to be the attack bomber replacement par excellence. Following a prolonged period of development, the aircraft would eventually see combat in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) with the Ninth Air Force from late 1944, playing a key role in the tactical bombing campaign carried out by the USAAF in support of the Allied troops on the ground. A small number of Invaders also reached the Twelfth Air Force in Italy, as well as a solitary bomb group in the Pacific.