Does anyone know if the RB-26L was a B-26K with a glass nose & the photo equipment or, as what info I can come up with, it's a stock A-26C with the IR recon mods? I suspect it's a stock A-26C, but with it being designated RB-26L, I'm not sure. I found one photo claiming an RB-26L, but alas, it's just the nose, so I can't tell what props it has or see any tip tanks.
Douglas RB-26L question
Feb 08, 2006
2 Replies
Both of the RB-26Ls were prior to the On Mark aircraft. One was B-26B s/n
44-34718 and the other B-26C s/n 44-35782.They had been modified by General Dynamics and E-systems in Greenville, Tx. in 1962. In addition to cameras, they carried the Reconfax VI infa-red aerial mapping system.
The above information is from the Crowood Douglas A-26/B-26 book by Scott Thompson.
The bird had proven itself a very effective bomber/close support a/c, but by
1962/3 they were pretty well used up. Most of the aircraft used during this time frame had been stored at Davis-Monthan and scheduled for scrap. They were removed from storage and sent to Hill AFB for refurbishment and then to Vietnam. Wing failures forced their withdrawal, and the subsequent contract for the On Mark conversions with reinforced wing spars among the modifications.If everything else was "normal" that would make one of them a glass nosed bird (the C) and the other a solid nosed bird. But with the interchangeable nose that may not be the way they ended up.
Now, speaking of B-26s in general, NOT the two mentioned above.
The nose was interchangable, but the serial number would not be, so while the s/n might reflect a B model, it could (and at times did) have a glass nose generally an indication of a C model aircraft. The opposite would also of course be the case as well..While the task was not easy, it could and was done.
Norm
Yep, that's what's pretty much what's plastered all over the 'net too. One source, IIRC, says the B model was fitted with the C nose. The one photo I saw has the clear nose, but as I said, that's all I can see is the nose. So this is another 'off' designation, where L comes before K.
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required