A is for A-26 Invader

Saw a couple this past week-end.

First one was at the airshow.

Faster than most fighter planes when it first came into service, this medium bomber and attack plane flew in World War Two, Korea and Vietnam. Additionally the CIA used them during the Bay of Pigs and in Africa in the 1960's. In the 1970's, drug smugglers sought them out on the surplus market because they were so fast ans maneuverable. Many were also used for forest fire suppression.

In my opinion, there has never been a more useful or graceful warbird. But that's just me...and anyone else with good taste.

Twice in my life I almost bought one. One was a basket case that an A&P whom I asked to check it out called me an idiot for even considering, and the second was a retiring firefighter that was--barely--within my financial means (goodbye, IRA) but I let it go when I started calculating operating costs, hangaring, inspections and insurance. Still shed a tear over that one.

We saw another one at Jackson Barracks' Louisiana National Guard museum.

This one needs a little more work to get it back in the air, but if they gave it to me tomorrow I'd give it one hell of a try.