Raising Havoc,
by
Stan Stokes
In 1936, under the supervision of Jack
Northrop and Ed Heinemann, Douglas Aircraft began work on a new
twin-engine light attack/observation aircraft designated the Model
7A. Powered by two R985 Wasp radials mounted in wing nacelles, the
A-20 also utilized a tricycle landing gear configuration. The
aircraft’s fuselage was quite narrow and there was room for only 1
pilot and 1 crewmember. As the project proceeded it became clear
that the 7A was not going to meet the Army’s objectives. In early
1938, Northrop left Douglas to form his own company, and Heinemann
began work on upgrading their design. One interesting feature was
the use of interchangeable nose sections. A clear nose could be
fitted with a bombardier’s compartment, or alternatively a solid
nose section could be fitted with an impressive total of 8 machine
guns. More powerful Pratt and Whitney radials were incorporated into
the design. Now designated the DB-7 by Douglas, a prototype aircraft
was completed by October 1938. The new aircraft proved very fast,
highly maneuverable, and capable of carrying a 2000 pound bomb load.
While impressed with the aircraft’s specs, the Army placed no
immediate orders. The French, however, were impressed with this
aircraft, and anxious to match the build-up of the Luftwaffe, they
ordered more than 270 aircraft. The Havoc first saw combat in 1939
flying with the French Air Forces during the Battle of France. The
French had received about 64 aircraft, and following the fall of
France a decision was made to divert the balance of the French order
to the RAF. By mid-1939 the Army placed an initial order for 63
A-20s. The A-20B variant was built in significant numbers with most
being sent to Russia. (Almost 50% of the A-20s produced during the
War were sent to Russia where they were utilized in many combat
roles, including torpedo bombing.) The most significant variant was
the “G” model with nearly 3000 produced. The G variant was produced
with a solid nose section with lots of firepower. Many of the G
models were fitted with an electrically driven Martin gun turret.
More fuel tank capacity was added and with twin 1600-HP radials the
A-20Gs were capable of a range in excess of 1000 miles, and could
attain top speeds in excess of 340-MPH. The maximum bomb load was
increased to 4000 pounds. The A-20 was the ideal low-level attack
bomber. With its high speed, excellent maneuverability, and heavy
firepower, Havocs were well suited for pinpoint bombing attacks on
airfields, ammo dumps, etc. With their incredible forward firing
power a flight of A-20s could easily overwhelm shipboard
anti-aircraft guns. A-20s saw a lot of service in the Pacific. The
Allied campaign of slowly retaking key islands was aided by the
capabilities of the Havoc. Attacks on Japanese airfields with the
A-20 were made with disastrous consequences to the Japanese, and
there are several instances where flights of A-20s virtually wiped
out Japanese ship convoys. Some A-20s were modified into night
fighters (designated P-70) prior to the use of P-61 Black Widows. In
Stan Stokes’ painting an A-20 in service with the 386th Bomb
Squadron of the 312th Bomb Group rips up a Japanese airfield in
Dutch New Guinea.
Overall Print Size: 16" x 11 1/2"
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Collector Sized Lithograph:
$40
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