Douglas A-20 Havoc - WW2 American Aircraft & Warplanes (2024)

Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Bomber Aircraft (Medium), Fighter Aircraft (Attack, Night)
Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft

The Douglas A-20 Havoc was a versatile light bomber and attack aircraft that played a significant role during World War II. Designed and built by the Douglas Aircraft Company, the A-20 Havoc was used by several Allied air forces, including the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), Royal Air Force (RAF), and Soviet Air Forces.

The A-20 Havoc had a distinctive design characterized by its twin-engine configuration, mid-wing layout, and sleek fuselage. It featured a crew of three: a pilot, bombardier/navigator, and gunner. The aircraft was powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial engines, which provided it with a top speed of around 315 mph (507 km/h) and a range of approximately 945 miles (1,521 km).

One of the most notable features of the A-20 Havoc was its versatility. It was employed in a variety of roles, including light bomber, ground attack, night fighter, and reconnaissance. The aircraft’s internal bomb bay could carry up to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg) of bombs, while additional ordnance could be mounted externally on underwing racks. This allowed the A-20 to deliver a wide range of munitions, including bombs, rockets, and depth charges, against enemy targets on land, sea, and air.

Defensively, the A-20 Havoc was equipped with multiple machine guns for self-defense. Depending on the variant, it typically mounted .30 caliber or .50 caliber Browning M2 machine guns in nose, dorsal, ventral, and tail positions. These machine guns provided protection against enemy fighters and ground fire during combat missions.

The A-20 Havoc saw extensive service in all major theaters of World War II, including Europe, North Africa, the Pacific, and the Eastern Front. It was particularly effective in low-level ground attack missions and night intruder operations, where its speed, firepower, and maneuverability proved invaluable. The aircraft earned a reputation for its ruggedness, reliability, and ability to deliver accurate strikes against enemy targets under adverse conditions.

• Guns:
  • 6 fixed forward firing 0.5in (12.7mm)Browning machine gunsin the nose
  • 2 0.5in (12.7mm) Browning machine guns in dorsal turret
  • 1 flexible 0.5in (12.7mm) Browning machine gun, mounted behind bomb bay
• Rockets:
  • 4 triple tubeT30/M10rocket launchers
• Bombs:4,000lb (1,800kg)