B-26K Counter Invader, USAF assault aircraft of the Vietnam War 1:48 ICM 48279

Plastic model airplane for assembly: B-26K Counter Invader, USAF attack aircraft from the Vietnam War 1:48 ICM 48279

The B-26K Counter Invader plastic model kit in 1:48 scale from ICM is an excellent proposition for military aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This detailed set allows you to recreate one of the most iconic attack aircraft used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Catalog number: 48279

Model markings:

• B-26K 64-17651, 56th Special Operations Wing, 609th Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Phanom, 1969
• B-26K 64-17649, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, 1970
• B-26K 64-17645, 56th Special Operations Wing, 609th Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Phanom, 1969
• B-26K 64-17679, 1st Special Operations Wing, USAF, late 1960s.

History and operational background: The B-26K Counter Invader is a modified version of the Douglas A-26 Invader, which originally served as an attack bomber during World War II. After the war, in 1948, it was renamed to B-26 and reused during the Korean War (1950-1953), mainly for night missions against North Korean supply lines. After being retired in 1958, many of these aircraft were returned to service in 1961 as tactical bombers in Southeast Asia.

In the 1960s, in response to the need for aircraft capable of counterinsurgency operations, the USAF commissioned the modernization of existing models. As part of these upgrades, the wing structure was reinforced, eight weapon suspension points were added under the wings, an enlarged vertical stabilizer was installed, fuel tanks were added at the wingtips, and dual controls were fitted. In the spring of 1964, the USAF received the first examples of the 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. Operating from bases in Thailand, they conducted combat missions over Laos. Due to restrictions on the stationing of bombers in Thailand, from May 1966, these aircraft were classified as attack aircraft and designated as A-26A. Most combat missions of the Counter Invaders took place at night, due to the threat from Vietnamese air defense, which posed a serious risk to low-speed piston-engine aircraft.

The B-26K Counter Invader, modified by On Mark Engineering, featured a rebuilt fuselage and tail, reinforced wings, improved engines, reversible propellers, fuel tanks at the wingtips, and other enhancements. These aircraft remained in Southeast Asia until 1969, after which they were retired from service by the USAF.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.