Douglas B-26N Night Fighter

Mathll · July 8, 2026, 10:01am

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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.

Today, I am presenting a new aircraft that served with French forces: the Douglas B-26N.

First, a quick explanation regarding the “B” designation. The aircraft I am discussing today is a version of the American Douglas A-26, developed during World War II. It was originally an attack aircraft, hence the “A” designation, but when the first versions were delivered to French forces, it was classified as a bomber because that was the role it was intended to fulfill; the name stuck for all subsequent variants.

By 1958, the Algerian War was raging. French troops were bogged down in a conflict that grew increasingly complex by the day and showed no signs of ending. Algerian independence fighters were becoming better organized, and their weapons stockpiles showed no signs of dwindling. Regarding those stockpiles, there were indications that light aircraft were making night-time deliveries; French radar would occasionally pick up suspicious echoes moving slowly at low altitude. In response, the French High Command decided to form a new squadron: ECN 1/71 (a night fighter squadron). This new unit was equipped with radar-equipped aircraft capable of intercepting these suspicious intruders at night.

Initially equipped with Dassault Flamants fitted with British AI Mk X radars (units originally supplied with the French Air Force’s Gloster Meteors, some of which were also assigned to the same squadron), the unit did not achieve spectacular success. It intercepted very few aircraft and often found itself face-to-face with other French planes that were quietly conducting reconnaissance missions or dropping paratroopers behind enemy lines. In 1960, the squadron switched aircraft; while the Flamants were capable machines, they sorely lacked power and armament. To address this shortfall, eight B-26s were delivered and modified, receiving a new nose section housing the same radar as the Flamant (AI Mk X), a new camouflage scheme, and armament suitable for night-fighter missions.

According to the aviation magazine Chandelle, the B-26Ns carried out 40 interceptions and destroyed nine aircraft during their few years of service, figures that, while low, were relatively respectable for a night-fighter squadron in the context of the era.

From 1961 onwards, the French government began moving toward a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, leading to the gradual withdrawal of deployed troops and, notably, combat aircraft. Consequently, ECN 1/71 began phasing out its B-26Ns; the final aircraft was retired in 1962, marking the end of the type’s very brief service life (lasting only one and a half to two years).

Characteristics

Length : 15.47 m

Width : 21.35 m

Height : 5.56 m

Mass :

Empty : 10.365 tons
Full : 15.880 tons

The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines, each delivering 2,000 hp, enabling it to reach a top speed of 570 km/h and a maximum range of 1,450 km. This variant carries a crew of only two, a pilot and a co-pilot who operates the radar, as the third crew member typically found on other versions is not required.

Visually, the aircraft is instantly recognizable thanks to its all-black camouflage, which allows it to better conceal itself at night during interception missions.

Equipment

The aircraft is equipped with the AI Mk.X radar. This is an interception radar used by the British from World War II onwards, based on the American SCR-720 radar. It was fitted to a great many aircraft during and after the war, notably the P-61, a variant of the Mosquito, and the night-fighter variant of the Gloster Meteor.

Several aircraft in the game are already equipped with this radar.

Weapons

Although light, the aircraft’s armament is more than sufficient for carrying out night interception missions. All weaponry is mounted under the wings, comprising the following:

2 x twin 12.7mm machine gun pods
The machine guns are mounted in twin pods under each wing; they serve as the aircraft’s primary armament, allowing for more precise attacks against light aircraft.
2 x 68mm Matra SNEB rocket pods
The SNEB pods are mounted under the wings; while capable of firing various types of rockets, they were primarily used to intimidate enemy transport aircraft, as a rocket strike can be devastating to an undefended transport.

Furthermore, the aircraft retains its intact bomb bay; in practice, the Air Force’s B-26Ns did not use it, as their missions did not involve ground-attack operations. However, it remains operational, allowing the aircraft to carry a certain quantity of bombs.

AN-M57 250lb bomb x 8
AN-M64 500lb bomb x 6
AN-M65 1000lb bomb x 4

In the game, this fighter/interceptor/attacker would be an interesting addition to the French tree, introducing an aircraft that is somewhat heavier than existing options and, above all, adding a truly unique variant of the machine to the French forces.

Pictures

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