North American A-36
The A-36 was an early version of the P-51 provided with dive brakes and underwing racks, to operate in a close-support role.
The USAF Museum website has a page on the A-36 which states the following: The A-36A dive bomber was the first AAF version of the "Mustang" developed for Britain in 1940. The A-36 fist flew in Oct. 1942; production of 500 A-36As was completed by March 1943. Unofficially named "Invaders," A-36As were assigned to the 27th and 86th Bombardment Groups (Dive), later redesignated as Fighter-Bomber Groups. In June 1943, the plane went into action from North Africa. During the Italian campaign, A-36A pilots flew bomber escort and strafing missions as well as ground support bombing attacks. A-36As also served with the 311th Fighter Bomber Group in India. Dive brakes in the wings gave greater stability in a dive, but they were sometimes wired closed due to malfunctions. In 1944, AAF A-36As were replaced by P-51s and P-47s when experience showed that these high-altitude fighters, equipped with bomb racks, were more suitable for low-level missions than the A-36As.
For more data on this aircraft, click
here for Joe Baugher's
webpage.
USAF archives on this aircraft, click
here.
(updated September 2006)
North American A-36A
Type: Fighter
Crew: 1, Pilot
Armament: six.50 cal machine guns
1,000 lbs of bombs externally
Specifications:
Length: 32' 3"
Height: 12' 2"
Wing span: 37'
Wing area: N/A
Weight: 10000 lbs loaded
Propulsion:
No. of Engines: 1
Powerplant: Allison V-1710
Horsepower: 1,325 hp
Performance:
Range: 550 miles
Cruise Speed: 250 mph
Max Speed: 365 mph
Ceiling: 25,100 ft.
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