The Douglas A-20 Havoc (also known by its corporate designation DB-7) was a versatile aircraft that served extensively in World War II. It served as a heavy bomber or attack aircraft. A-20 began as a design to serve the Army Air Corps. However, it has grown into an airplane that’s widely utilized around the globe.
Origins and Development
In 1936, Douglas Aircraft Company began designing a bomber-reconnaissance aircraft to address the needs of the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC). Donald Douglas, Jack Northrop and Ed Heinemann were in charge. The concept initially featured a twin engine and a limited bomb load. It was thought to be too weak, but reports during the Spanish Civil War led to refinements.
The 7B is a result of 1937. It features twin Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engines with a combined 1,100 hp. North American Aviation faced stiff competition, including Stearman Martin Bell Aircraft. His first flight in 1938 impressed buyers and a French Purchasing Commission. France, despite a flight trial crash, placed a 100-unit order early in 1939. Later, the number of units increased to 170 units.
In response to this French order, the DB-7 emerged, featuring a redesigned engine and a fuselage with a new design that accommodated a 3-person crew. This version established the A-20 Havoc as a successful operational aircraft.
Technical Specifications and Features
Douglas A-20 Havoc was known for its versatility, speed and maneuverability. These were its specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
| Powerplant | 2 x Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone engines |
| Maximum Speed | 317 mph (510km/h) |
| Range | 1,025 miles (1,650 km) |
| Bomb Load Capacity | Up to 4,000 lbs (1,814kg) |
| Crew | 3 (pilot, bombardier, gunner) |
| Defensive armament | Multiple.30-caliber and.50-caliber Machine Guns |
A-20 is designed for versatility. A-20 was known as a “pilot’s airplane” for its ease of operation and reliability.
Operational History
French Service
France was the first country to field the DB-7. Early deliveries started in late 1938. These aircraft were then assembled and shipped to Casablanca for deployment. By May 1940, when Germany invaded France, the DB-7s delivered were around 70. Around 70 sorties took place during the Battle of France. Some aircraft were lost. Surviving Units were evacuated into North Africa. For a brief period, these units were under the control of Vichy’s government. However, after Operation Torch landed in 1942, they became part of Allied Operations.
British Commonwealth
After France’s fall, unsold DB-7s became part of the Royal Air Force. British designate bomber variants Boston whereas night fighter variants Havoc. The RAF employed the A-20 all over Europe and North Africa. It performed well in intruder night missions.
Turbinlite, an adaptation unique to this variant, was to replace the searchlight on the nose in order for Hawker Hurricane fighters to be ble to target enemy aircraft during the night. Turbinlite units were disbanded, despite their innovative nature, in 1943 due to the increased effectiveness of radar-equipped planes.
United States Service
The USAAF officially adopted the A-20 in 1939. It was initially deployed in North Africa in late 1942 during the North Africa Campaign. The A-20 proved effective on low-level missions, including strafing. It also served in the Pacific Theater, supporting island-hopping campaigns.
Soviet Usage
The Lend-Lease (Lend-Lease) program sent over a third of the A-20 aircraft produced to the Soviet Union. Soviet pilots appreciated the aircraft’s durability and ease of maintenance. They used it for bombing and ground support. It quickly became a favorite of both Soviet Air Forces and naval aviation.
Variants
A-20 Havocs were modified in response to the different needs of Allied military forces. Key variants of the A-20 Havoc included:
- An early USAAF variant, with R-2600 powered engines and an improved fuel tank.
- Boston III RAF lighter bomber type is used extensively in Europe.
- Havoc I, Night Fighter and Intruder Variants equipped with Radar and Advanced Weaponry.
- P70 Version USAAF of night fighter, with added armament.
- DB-7B DB-7B is the French and British version of the export version. It has enhanced capabilities tailored to each country’s specific needs.
Each variant was designed to meet specific missions, making the A-20 an invaluable asset throughout the war.
Impact and Legacy
The A-20 Havoc’s contribution to the Allied War effort is not overstated. It saw action in virtually every theater of World War II, from Europe and North Africa to Asia. Due to its wide variety of functions, the aircraft became very versatile.
The A-20’s low-level bombing and aerial strafing operations disrupted enemies’ supply and communication lines. Because of this success, the A-20 has gained a reputation among tactical operators as an aircraft that can be relied on to deliver results.
It also set the precedent for designs of aircraft that were developed after World War II. Douglas Santa Monica’s production was mechanized, demonstrating innovative techniques for aircraft manufacture.
Conclusion
Douglas A-20 Havoc still symbolizes the ingenuity, adaptability, and innovation that Allied aircraft design demonstrated during World War II. The A-20’s legacy is a sign of versatility and durability.
Visit the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum A-20 Havoc for more information on this aircraft and others from World War II.
