- Yes
- No
Hello everyone and welcome to this new suggestion
Today I present to you the last of the B-26 models that served the French forces that I have not yet suggested, the RB-26 Reco
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.
In the early 1950s, the Indochina War was raging; French forces were bogged down in difficult terrain and lacked air support, as the Air Force was still recovering from World War II. To address the aircraft shortage, the French High Command turned to the US Air Force, which supplied 113 Douglas A-26 Invaders starting in 1951. Redesignated as the B-26, these aircraft were distributed among three bomber groups: GB 1/19 Gascogne, GB 1/25 Tunisie, and GB 1/91 Bourgogne. However, the need for a smaller unit dedicated to reconnaissance quickly became apparent, leading to the creation of a small squadron flying modified B-26s, renamed RB-26, ERP 1/38 Armagnac.
The squadron participated in all the conflicts of the era but had a short service life. During the Indochina War, the RB-26s flew numerous missions despite the significant risks posed by anti-aircraft batteries, photographing North Vietnamese positions to provide crucial intelligence to the infantry. During the Algerian War, pilots repeated these missions, but this time in less dangerous airspace.
In 1962, as the Algerian War appeared to be heading towards a diplomatic rather than a military resolution, the squadrons operating the B-26s began to retire their aircraft. These aircraft, developed for World War II, were becoming outdated, and military budget cuts made it impossible to keep them flying indefinitely.
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. The crew consists of three people: a pilot, a co-pilot, and a gunner who operates the machine-gun turrets used to defend the aircraft.
Visually, the vehicles initially retained their exposed metal bodies, like the American versions, but with French markings, before being modified and painted black with a white roof, particularly in Algeria.
Equipment
The RB-26s are based on the B-26C and therefore feature the same nose canopy, allowing for observation of the surroundings during reconnaissance missions; however, the major difference lies in the aircraft’s bomb bay—while on all other versions this space is used to carry weaponry, on the RB-26 it houses an arsenal of high-definition cameras (for the time) capable of capturing imagery of the area directly beneath the aircraft and its surroundings.
Weapons
In terms of armament, this B-26 variant is the least heavily armed of the lot; the glazed nose and photographic equipment eliminate all primary and secondary offensive payload capacity, leaving the aircraft reliant solely on its wing hardpoints. It can be fitted with two twin 12.7mm machine-gun pods, providing light firepower, yet enough to defend against direct threats or conduct strafing runs.
This aircraft would indeed be an interesting addition to the game; its lack of weaponry would necessitate a particularly low Battle Rating, yet its flight performance and speed would prevent the BR from being set too low. Consequently, it would be a particularly tricky aircraft to balance, making it a great addition to the tech tree.
Pictures
