Number 85 of 100 in 100: The Douglas A-20 Havoc
Conceptualization:
The Douglas A-20 Havoc came to life during the late 1930s—when global militaries were racing to modernize their fleets. The United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) saw the need for a more versatile and effective attack aircraft that could outperform aging models like the Curtiss A-12 Shrike. At the time, the world was on the brink of war, and the demand for aircraft that could carry out precision bombing, strafing, and ground-attack missions was skyrocketing. The aviation industry was buzzing with innovation, and the designers at Douglas Aircraft Company embraced this challenge. They initially created the Model 7A, which later evolved into the more powerful and capable Model 7B. Interestingly, the A-20 attracted international interest, especially from France, even before the USAAC fully adopted it. It was an aircraft born of necessity, shaped by a market craving speed, agility, and adaptability.
Original Design:
The original design of the A-20 showcased exactly why it became a favorite among pilots. The aircraft featured a twin-engine configuration, giving it not only speed and power but also an extra layer of reliability in case one engine failed. Its tricycle landing gear made for easier takeoffs and landings, enhancing ground handling and safety. The A-20 was produced in variants with either a solid nose for heavy forward-firing armament or a glazed nose for precision bombing, making it incredibly versatile and capable of adapting to different combat roles. Inside, it housed a three-person crew—pilot, bombardier/navigator, and gunner—working together in relatively tight quarters. Defensive armament was strategically placed to fend off enemy fighters, and with a solid payload capacity of up to 4,000 pounds, the A-20 proved to be as functional as it was innovative.
Photo Credit: National Museum of the USAF
Principal Designer:
The A-20 Havoc was the result of a team of designers at Douglas Aircraft Company, led by the talented Ed Heinemann. Heinemann, a self-taught engineering prodigy, played a pivotal role in shaping the A-20's design. Known for his practical and innovative approach, Heinemann would go on to design some of the most iconic military aircraft in history, including the A-4 Skyhawk. Under the leadership of Donald Douglas, who oversaw the company’s operations, the A-20 emerged as a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of its design team. Blending speed, versatility, and simplicity, the A-20 became a favorite among pilots and maintainers alike, proving its value across a variety of combat roles.
Production Run:
Production of the Douglas A-20 Havoc kicked off in 1939 and lasted until September 1944, a span that saw the creation of an impressive 7,478 aircraft. Most of these—7,098, to be precise—were built by Douglas, with Boeing producing an additional 380 under contract. Initially, early models were produced for France, but after France fell in 1940, many aircraft were diverted to the RAF and later adapted for American use. The production ramped up significantly as the aircraft proved its value in combat. By the time the war ended, the A-20 had cemented its place as one of the most versatile light bombers of its era.
Evolution:
The A-20 wasn’t just a “one-size-fits-all” aircraft—it evolved significantly to meet the diverse needs of World War II. The earliest model, the DB-7, was initially designed for export, with France placing a major order for the aircraft before its fall in 1940. These early variants were powered by Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engines and featured lighter armament and simpler avionics to meet French specifications. After France's defeat, many DB-7s were diverted to the Royal Air Force (RAF), where they became known as the Boston I and II, performing roles such as light bombing and crew training. The aircraft later gained traction with the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), evolving into the A-20A, which introduced more powerful Wright R-2600 engines. The A-20B streamlined production further and was extensively supplied to the Soviet Union, where it saw success in various combat roles.
The A-20G became a standout variant, replacing the glazed nose with a solid nose armed with six .50 caliber machine guns, transforming the aircraft into a formidable ground-attack platform ideal for strafing missions. This variant also included a powered dorsal turret for enhanced defensive capabilities, making it a favorite among combat crews. Later versions, such as the A-20J and A-20K, reintroduced the glazed nose and advanced bombsights for precision bombing roles, while maintaining the powerful R-2600 engines. Adaptations didn’t stop there—some A-20s were converted into P-70 night fighters, equipped with radar and heavy forward-firing cannons to counter nighttime threats. Throughout its evolution, the A-20 retained its speed, agility, and reliability, making it a versatile and indispensable aircraft in the Allied arsenal.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Mark Kwiatkowski
Specifications:
Douglas A-20G-20-DO Specifications:
General Characteristics:
- Crew: 3
- Length: 47 ft 11+7⁄8 in (14.63 m)
- Wingspan: 61 ft 3.5 in (18.68 m)
- Height: 18 ft 1+1⁄2 in (5.52 m)
- Wing area: 464 sq ft (43.1 m2)
- Airfoil: root: NACA 23018; tip: NACA 23009
- Empty weight: 16,031 lb (7,272 kg)
- Gross weight: 24,127 lb (10,944 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 400 US gal (330 imp gal; 1,500 L) normal capacity
- 300 US gal (250 imp gal; 1,100 L) in an optional external tank
- 676 US gal (563 imp gal; 2,560 L) in four optional auxiliary tanks in the bomb-bay
- Powerplant: 2 × Wright R-2600-23 Twin Cyclone 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines, 1,600 hp (1,200 kW) each
- Propellers: 3-bladed Hamilton Standard Hydromatic, 11 ft 3 in (3.43 m) diameter constant-speed fully-feathering propellers
Performance:
- Maximum speed: 317 mph (510 km/h, 275 kn) at 10,700 ft (3,300 m)
- 325 mph (282 kn; 523 km/h) at 14,500 ft (4,400 m)
- Cruise speed: 280 mph (450 km/h, 240 kn) at 14,000 ft (4,300 m)
- Stall speed: 98 mph (158 km/h, 85 kn)
- Range: 945 mi (1,521 km, 821 nmi)
- Ferry range: 2,300 mi (3,700 km, 2,000 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 23,700 ft (7,200 m)
- Rate of climb: 2,000 ft/min (10 m/s)
- Time to altitude: 10,000 ft (3,000 m) in 8 minutes 48 seconds
- Wing loading: 52 lb/sq ft (250 kg/m2)
- Power/Mass: 0.141 hp/lb (0.232 kW/kg)
In Comparison to Other Aircraft in its Class:
The Douglas A-20G Havoc stood out in its class for its impressive speed and agility. With a top speed of 317 mph at lower altitudes and 325 mph at higher altitudes, it outpaced similar aircraft, such as the North American B-25 Mitchell (272 mph) and the Martin B-26 Marauder (287 mph). This speed made it an ideal choice for quick-strike missions, where outrunning enemy fighters or flak was critical. While its combat range of 945 miles was shorter than the B-25’s 1,350 miles, the A-20 excelled in short- to medium-range operations and boasted a ferry range of 2,300 miles, allowing it to deploy to distant locations when necessary. Its highly responsive controls and excellent maneuverability further cemented its reputation among pilots as a reliable and nimble aircraft.
In terms of payload, the A-20G could carry up to 4,000 pounds of bombs, putting it on par with the B-26. The Havoc’s solid-nose configuration, armed with six forward-firing .50 caliber machine guns, gave it a unique edge in ground-attack missions and strafing runs. This combination of speed, firepower, and versatility made the A-20 a standout performer, particularly for missions that demanded a fast, agile, and heavily armed platform. The A-20 prioritized speed and maneuverability at the expense of range and payload compared to its peers, but the A-20’s strengths in adaptability and combat effectiveness ensured its place as a favorite among the crews who operated it.
Performance:
Douglas A-20G Havoc Performance Envelope:
V-Speeds:
- V_NE (Never Exceed Speed): Approximately 350 mph (565 km/h)
- V_NO (Maximum Structural Cruising Speed): Approximately 315 mph (507 km/h)
- V_A (Maneuvering Speed): Approximately 250 mph (402 km/h)
- V_FE (Maximum Flap Extended Speed): Approximately 150 mph (241 km/h)
- V_SO (Stall Speed in Landing Configuration): Approximately 90 mph (145 km/h)
- V_S (Stall Speed in Clean Configuration): Approximately 100 mph (161 km/h)
G-Load Limitations:
- Positive G Limit: +3.0 G
- Negative G Limit: -1.0 G
Performance Assessment:
The Douglas A-20G Havoc’s performance envelope perfectly suited its role as a fast, low-level attack and bombing aircraft. With a V_NE (Never Exceed Speed) of approximately 350 mph and a V_NO (Maximum Structural Cruising Speed) of around 315 mph, it had the speed needed to hit targets quickly and escape before enemy defenses could react. This made it an excellent choice for missions that demanded swift response times, such as in ground attacks and close air support. Its maneuvering speed (V_A) of 250 mph ensured the A-20G could handle tight turns and aggressive tactics while staying within safe structural limits—a feature that pilots appreciated during high-stress operations.
The G-load limitations of +3.0 G and -1.0 G highlight its structural strength, allowing it to withstand the rigors of combat flight, particularly during steep dives or quick evasive maneuvers. Meanwhile, its stall speeds—90 mph in landing configuration (V_SO) and 100 mph clean (V_S)—ensured controlled handling during takeoff and landing, even on shorter runways or less-than-ideal conditions often found in combat zones. The A-20G’s performance envelope wasn’t just about raw numbers; it was about delivering a nimble, reliable platform that could tackle tough missions and keep its crew safe in the process. That combination of speed, maneuverability, and durability is why it earned such respect among pilots.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Steve Williams
Safety Record:
The Douglas A-20 Havoc earned a well-deserved reputation for being a durable and reliable aircraft, particularly during the high-stress conditions of World War II. Its twin-engine design was a standout feature, providing critical support that allowed pilots to continue flying even if one engine failed—a lifesaving advantage in combat. Pilots appreciated its forgiving handling and resilience under fire, making it a dependable choice for a wide range of missions. However, like all military aircraft of its era, the A-20 was not immune to operational losses. Mechanical failures, pilot errors, and combat damage contributed to incidents both during wartime and peacetime operations.
Notable incidents include a tragic crash on February 6, 1942, when an A-20 ferrying over Mount Shasta, California, went down during poor weather conditions, resulting in the pilot's death. Another occurred on January 26, 1942, when an A-20 Havoc I crashed shortly after takeoff from RAF Colerne in the UK, killing all three crew members on board. Decades later, on October 8, 1988, a restored A-20G tragically crashed during an airshow in San Benito, Texas, when the pilot suffered a heart attack mid-flight. Compared to its contemporaries, such as the North American B-25 Mitchell and the Martin B-26 Marauder, the A-20’s safety record was comparable, with each type facing its own set of operational challenges. Thanks to its straightforward design and pilot-friendly characteristics, the A-20 remained a reliable and respected platform, proving its worth in the chaos of war and beyond.
Conclusion:
The Douglas A-20 Havoc is a prime example of an aircraft that successfully balanced innovation with practicality. From its adaptable design to its reliable performance, the A-20 served Allied forces with distinction in a variety of roles. Whether it was bombing enemy positions, strafing ground targets, or performing night-fighting duties, the Havoc proved its worth time and again. For pilots and maintainers, its legacy is a reminder of how thoughtful engineering and adaptability can create a machine that rises to any challenge.
Photo Credit: National Museum of the USAF
Bibliography:
Wikipedia – Douglas A-20 Havoc
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