ICM B-26K Counter Invader, USAF Vietnam War Attack Aircraft

In the early 1960s, the USAF faced the need for aircraft suitable for counterinsurgency operations. In addition to developing specialized aircraft, improvements were made to existing models to fulfill these tasks. The enhancements included reinforcing the wing structure, adding eight points for weapon suspension under the wings, installing a larger vertical stabilizer, mounting fuel tanks on the wingtips, and incorporating dual controls. In the spring of 1964, the USAF received its first B-26K Counter Invader, and the entire order was completed by April 1965. In the spring of 1966, it was decided to deploy these aircraft in Southeast Asia. From airbases in Thailand, they conducted combat missions into Laos. Since Thailand did not allow the bombers to be stationed on its territory, the aircraft were used as ground attack planes under the designation A-26A starting in May 1966. It should also be noted that most combat operations of the Counter Invader took place at night. The reason for this was the Vietnamese air defense, which posed a serious threat to low-speed piston-driven aircraft.