B-26K Counter Invader
In the early 1960s, the US Air Force was faced with the need to have aircraft capable of conducting counterinsurgency operations. Along with the development of specialized aircraft for these tasks, existing models were improved. Improvements included strengthening the wing structure and adding eight underwing weapon suspension points, installing a larger area rudder, adding wingtip fuel tanks and installing dual control. In the spring of 1964, the US Air Force received the first B-26K Counter Invader, and the entire order was fulfilled by April 1965. In the spring of 1966, the decision was made to deploy these aircraft to Southeast Asia. From the airfields of Thailand, they made combat sorties on the territory of Laos. Since Thailand did not allow bombers to be based on its territory, from May 1966 the aircraft were designated as attack aircraft - A-26A. It should also be noted that most of Counter Invader's combat missions took place in the dark. This was due to the Vietnamese anti-aircraft defenses, which presented a serious threat to low-speed piston aircraft.
