.-- . .-.. -.-. --- -- .

 

Last Update: Thursday, 2 October, 2003
Contact the WWII Tech Pubs Team WWII Tech Pubs Glossary Our Favourite Websites The Bunker - Historical WWII Articles and Background Info WWII Tech Pubs News WWII Tech Pubs Forum - Join the discussion... About WWII Tech Pubs WWII Online - Visit the official website now! WWII Tech Pubs Home The Garage - tanks, armoured vehicles, and other mechanised ground vehicles... The Barrack - infantry weapons... The Dock - ships, submarines, and other naval craft... The Hangar - see the aircraft here...

Douglas DB7/A-20

Douglas DB7s of Groupement 2 take part in frantic attacks on Wermacht motor transport streaming west towards the heart of France, May 31st 1940. The German attack came as the Armée de l'Air converted to the fast modern American bomber, intended to replace the obsolete aircraft still in service. However, only 60 were operational in time to participate in the defence of France and following the French collapse, all the remaining aircraft were transfered to the RAF.

Country of Origin:

United States of America

Manufacturer:

Douglas Aircraft, El Segunda, California

Major Variants:

7B, DB-7, DB-7A, DB-7B, A-20A, A-20B, A-20C, A-20D, A-20G, A-20H, A20-J/K, F-3, P-70

Role:

Attack Bomber, Night-fighter, Photographic Reconnaissance, Night-fighter trainer.

Operated by:

USA, Britain, France, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Soviet Union, Brazil, New Zealand.

First Flight:

7B, 26 October 1938; DB-7, 17 August 1939.

In Service:

January, 1940, Casablanca, Armée de l’Air, Groupe de Bombardement GB I/19.

Number Built:

7,478

[ Top of Page | Feedback ]

Overview

The DB-7/A-20 started life in 1936 as a private design concept by Jack Northrop and Ed Heinemann for an attack and observation bomber with a crew of three, twin 425 hp Pratt and Whitney R-985 Wasp Jr. radial engines, high wings and tricycle undercarriage designated 7A. The design was altered by a team led by Weidenheimer in late 1937 to meet a US Army requirement for an attack bomber able to lift a 1,200 lb 545 kg bomb load over a 1,200 ml 1,932 km range and became the 7B.

One prototype 7B was built, and although it crashed while being demonstrated to a French weapons-purchasing mission on 23 January, 1939, the French still placed an initial order for 100 modified aircraft. This type was designated DB-7 and had mid-wings; a larger fuselage; two 1,000 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-SC3-G radials; four forward firing 7.5 mm 0.3 in machine guns; a dorsal and a ventral flexibly-mounted machine gun of the same calibre; and French instrumentation and accessories. This order was increased by 170 in October 1939 with the later aircraft having 1,100 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-S3C4-G engines. France only commissioned 70 DB-7s into service, and flew 70 combat sorties before surrender, with the balance of aircraft being diverted to Britain and operated as night-fighters under the name Havoc I.

In October 1939 France ordered 100 further modified aircraft with two 1,600 hp Wright R-2600-A5B engines and minor structural changes and designated as DB-7A. None of these were delivered due to the surrender and all were operated by Britain as Havoc II night-fighters.

The British then ordered 300 DB-7Bs with minor structural changes and British instrumentation and equipment. These were operated by the RAF as Boston IIIs. The French also ordered 480 of this type calling it DB-73 - differing only in having French instrumentation. This last order was in May 1940 and all the French aircraft were completed to Boston III standard, with some being retained by the USAAF, and many being supplied to Britain under Lend-Lease who passed some on to Commonwealth air forces. Boston IIIs had greater range and more armour than earlier models, and were also fitted with self-sealing fuel tanks. A batch of 48 DB-7C aircraft ordered by the Netherlands East Indies Navy were similar to the DB-7B but included torpedo carrying capacity, and a life-raft installation.

The first USAAF order, on 30 June 1939, was for the A-20 model fitted with 1,700 hp, turbosupercharged Wright R-2600-7 engines. This engine was a failure and the A-20 was abandoned on the assembly line, to be superceded by the A-20A with 1,600 hp Wright R-2600-11 engines. These latter aircraft entered service in early 1941. The type was steadily improved through to the A-20K model by the addition of more fuel capacity, armour, more powerful engines, and installation of .50 in 12.5 mm machine guns in both fixed and flexible positions. The A-20G was built in the largest numbers. Field modifications added up to 8 50 in 12.5 mm machine guns in the bombardier’s position creating a very powerful ground-attack weapon. Some of these later models were supplied to Britain and operated as Boston IV and V.

In USAAF service, the P-70 series were used as night-fighters and for night-fighter training, and the F-3 series were developed in small numbers as night photographic-reconnaissance aircraft using flash-bombs.

More than 3,000 A-20s were supplied to the Soviet Union, and although little is known about their operational history, some are known to have been fitted with a powered dorsal turret. Bostons operated by the RAF and SAAF played an important in the Mediterranean theatre, and those of the USAAF Fifth Air Force and the RAAF were used with deadly effect against the Japanese in the South-west Pacific theatre. In the Battle of the Bismarck Sea in March 1943, A-20s were instrumental in the destruction of a Japanese reinforcement convoy which ended Japanese aspirations in New Guinea. Paradoxically, the Japanese Army itself also test flew at least one example of a DB-7C captured in the Netherlands East Indies. Sixteen aircraft ordered by Belgium were not delivered before Germany over-ran the country.

Pilots reported the A-20 as superb to fly, with the feel of a single-seat fighter, and with very good handling and performance. The equipment was reliable and efficient, and the pilots’ view excellent. Minor drawbacks were the runway length needed to achieve the 110 mph 177 kph lift-off speed, and careful braking required in landing. The narrow fuselage also prevented the crew from changing position, or assisting each other if required.

[ Top of Page | Feedback ]

Variants

Type

Number Built

Remarks

Northrop Model 7A

0

Unbuilt private design proposal of 1936 with two 425 hp Pratt and Whitney R-985 Wasp Jr radials, high wings and tricycle undercarriage, for observation and attack; one forward firing 0.3 in 7.5 mm machine gun; one similar flexible-mount dorsal and ventral gun; 40 17 lb 7.7 kg bombs.

Douglas
Model 7B

1

First prototype. Model 7A altered to meet a 1937 USAAF requirement for a twin-engined attack aircraft with a 1,200 ml 1,932 km range with a 1,200 lb 545 kg bomb load. Two 1,100 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-S3C3-G engines with 370 US galls 1,401 L of fuel. Provision for glazed nose bombarier position or solid nose cone with two .50 in 12.5 mm and six 0.3 in 7.5 mm machine guns. Demonstrated to the French.

DB-7

270

First production model ordered by France. Two 1,000 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-SC3-G engines; mid-wing; redesigned larger fuselage; French-made metric instrumentation; glazed nose for bombardier; six 7.5 mm 0.3 in machine guns - four fixed firing forward; one ventral and one dorsal in flexible mounts. Last 170 aircraft with 1,100 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-S3C4-G engines. Some undelivered aircraft taken over by Britain following the French Armistice.

[DB-7] Boston I

20 converted from DB-7

Some of the ex-French DB-7 with 1,000 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-SC3-G engines were converted for British use as trainers. Minor modifications to throttle (reversed action) and instrumentation.

[DB-7] Boston II

-

Tentative designation of later production ex-French DB-7s with 1,100 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-S3C4-G engines in British service. Designation was changed to Havoc I when the aircraft arrived and all were converted for night-fighting.

[DB-7] Havoc I Intruder

some of 181 converted from DB-7

British conversion of later production ex-French DB-7s with 1,100 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-S3C4-G engines, plus some earlier aircraft with 1,000 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-SC3-G engines re-engined to the R-1830-S3C4-G engines. British instruments and equipment; glazed nose and 2,400 lb 1,091 kg bomb-load. Also previously called Moonfighter, Ranger and Havoc IV. Some of the batch were converted to Havoc I Night fighter version.

[DB-7] Havoc I Night fighter

some of 181 converted from DB-7

British conversion of later production ex-French DB-7s with 1,100 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-S3C4-G engines, plus some earlier aircraft with 1,000 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-SC3-G engines re-engined to the R-1830-S3C4-G engines. British instruments and equipment; solid nose and AI Mk IV radar and eight forward-firing .303 in 7.6 mm machine guns. No defensive armament. Crew of two only. Some of the batch were converted to Havoc I Intruder version.

[DB-7] Havoc I Pandora

20 converted from Havoc I

British conversions of Havoc I Intruders. Fitted with a 2,000 ft 610 m cable with bomb attached to be trailed in the path of enemy bombers. All later reconverted to Intruder configuration. Originally designated Havoc III.

[DB-7] Havoc I Turbinlite

21 converted from Havoc I

British conversions of Havoc I Night fighters; all armament removed; radar retained; 2,700 million candlepower searchlight fitted to allow Hurricane fighter interceptions of enemy bombers. Originally designated Havoc IV.

[DB-7] Havoc III

-

Original British designation for Havoc I Pandora.

[DB-7] Havoc IV

-

Original British designation for Havoc I Turbinlite

DB-7A

100

Aircraft ordered by France and all taken over by the Britain after the French Armistice. Fitted with two 1,600 hp Wright R-2600-A5B radial engines; other changes from DB-7 only minor; added fixed 7.5 mm .30 in mg in each nacelle firing rearward; tail surface enlargements.

[DB-7A] Havoc II Night fighter

61 converted from DB-7A

Ex-French DB-7As converted to the same British night-fighter standard as the Havoc I Night-fighter.

[DB-7A] Havoc II Turbinlite

39 converted from DB-7A

Ex-French DB-7As converted to the same British night-fighter standard as the Havoc I Turbinlite

DB-7B

300

British-ordered DB-7A aircraft with British instrumentation and systems; two 1,600 hp Wright R-2600-A5B radial engines; lengthened nose with more trans-parent panels; improved armour and self-sealing tanks. Fuel increased to394 US galls 1,491 L. British 7.5 mm .303 in mg fitted. Designated Boston III in service.

DB-73

480

French-ordered version of the DB-7B with French instrumentation and systems. All were completed to DB-7B (Boston III) standard during production.

[DB-7B and DB-73] Boston III

780 ordered as DB-7B and DB-73

British designation of the DB-7Bs and DB-73s completed as Boston IIIs for British service. 213 were retained by the USAAF; 20 were supplied to the Soviet Union; and some were transferred by Britain to the RCAF, RAAF and SAAF.

[DB-7B and DB-73] Boston III Intruder

some converted from Boston III

Boston III converted for night intruder operations; additional armament of four 20 mm .76 in cannon in a belly-pack

[DB-7B and DB-73] Boston III Turbinlite

3

Boston III converted by removal of armament from a night-fighter configured aircraft and fitting of a 2,700 million candlepower searchlight.

DB-7C

48

Aircraft ordered for the Netherlands East Indies Navy were DB-7Bs with torpedo mountings and automatic life-raft; seven 30 in 7.5 mm machine guns with four fixed firing forward; two flexible dorsal; and one flexible ventral gun; (and possibly one fixed rear-firing gun in each nacelle). An interchangeable nose installation of four 20 mm .76 in cannon was requested but not delivered. 20 aircraft were delivered to the East Indies before surrender to the Japanese. The others were redirected to the Soviet Union.

A-20

1

USAAF version of the DB-7B with US instrumentation and equipment and turbosupercharged 1,700 hp Wright R-2600-7 engines; nine 30 in 7.5 mm machine guns with four fixed firing forward; two flexible dorsal; and one flexible ventral gun; and one fixed rear-firing gun in each nacelle; gross weight increase by 3,750 lb 1,701 kg. Engine was unsuccessful so the balance of the order (62) were built as XF-3; YF-3; and P-70 aircraft.

A-20A

143

First production model for the USAAF; 1,600 hp Wright R-2600-11 engines

XA-20B

1 converted from A-20A

Experimental model to test fitting of three remotely-operated power turrets.

A-20B-DL

999

A-20A airframe and engines; modified nose glazing; bomb-bay modified; 200 US gall 757 L available as ferry tank in bomb bay; guns changed to two fixed forward firing and one flexible dorsal .50 in 12.5 mm machine guns; one flexible ventral .30 in 7.5 mm mg; and two nacelle guns fittable. Field fitting of faired-over nose with four or six .50 in 12.5 mm machine guns common.

A-20C-DO

808

Lend-lease DB-7B standard aircraft with US .30 in 7.5 mm mg fitted and individual exhaust stacks on the two 1,600 hp Wright R-2600-23 radial engines. Most to Britain as Boston IIIA, or the Soviet Union. 56 retained by the USAAF and fitted with torpedo racks. Later aircraft had a self-sealing fuel tank in the bomb bay for a total capacity of 540 US gall 2,044 L.

[A-20C] Boston IIIA

 

British designation of A-20C. All had fuel capacity of 540 US gall 2,044 L.

A-20C-BO

140

A-20C built by Boeing

A-20D-DO

0

Projected lightweight version with Wright R-2600-7 turbocharged engines.

A-20E-DO

17 converted from A-20A

A-20A with minor internal changes

XA-20F-DO

1 converted A-20A

Experimental model to test fitting of two remotely-operated power turrets and later a forward-firing 37mm cannon.

A-20G-DO

2,850

Two 1,600 hp Wright R-2600-23 radial engines; unglazed nose with four 20 mm .76 in cannon or with six .50 in 12.5 mm machine guns; 2,000 lb 980 kg bomb load; extra armour; carburettor de-icing. Some with fuel capacity of 725 US gall 2,744 L; dorsal turret with twin .50 in 12.5 mm machine guns; drop tank; two 500 lb 227 kg bomb wing racks. Many supplied to the Soviet Union.

A-20H-DO

412

Late model A-20G with two 1,700 hp Wright R-2600-29 engines.

A-20J-DO

231

A-20G built as Bomb-leader version with a single-piece transparent nose cone; Norden bomb sight; two fixed forward firing.50 in 12.5 mm machine guns.

[A-20J] Boston IV

169

A-20J supplied to Britain under lend-lease.

A-20K-DO

323

A-20H built as Bomb-leader version with a single-piece transparent nose cone; Norden bomb sight; two fixed forward firing.50 in 12.5 mm machine guns.

[A-20K] Boston V

90

A-20K supplied to Britain under lend-lease

XF-3

1

Prototype photo reconnaissance variant retaining the turbosupercharged 1,700 hp Wright R-2600-7 engines; T3-A cameras in bomb bay; A-20n armament retained.

YF-3

2

Trial photo reconnaissance variant of the XF-3 with a twin .30 in 7.5 mm mg tail turret installed.

F-3A

46 converted from A-20J and A-20K

Night photo reconnaissance variants of A-20J and A-20K with cameras displacing the forward firing armament; camera in rear bomb bay; and photo-flash bombs in forward bomb-bay.

O-53

0

Heavy observation variant similar to A-20B; 1,489 ordered in 1940 but none were completed before the contract was canceled.

XP-70

1 converted from A-20

Prototype night-fighter version of A-20. The turbosupercharged 1,700 hp Wright R-2600-7 engines replaced by 1,600 hp Wright R-2600-11 engines. British AI Mk IV radar; Bomb equipment removed; four 20 mm .76 in cannon in a belly-pack; flexible guns removed.

P-70

59

Cancelled A-20 airframes built to the specification of the XP-70.

P-70A-1

39 converted from A-20C

Night-fighter version of A-20C. Ventral pack with six or eight forward firing.50 in 12.5 mm machine guns; improved radar.

P-70A-2

65 converted from A-20G

Night-fighter version of A-20G. G-model nose guns retained; flexible guns removed.

P-70B-1

1 converted from A-20G

Experimental night-fighter version of A-20G with SCR720 radar; cheek-blisters with three forward firing.50 in 12.5 mm machine guns each.

P-70B-2

105 converted from A-20 G and A-20K

Night-fighter training version of A-20G and A-20K; Ventral pack with six or eight forward firing.50 in 12.5 mm machine guns sometimes fitted; SCR720 or SCR729 radar.

BD-1

1 converted from XF-3

XF-3 with 1,600 hp Wright R-2600-3 engines transferred to USN for general duties.

BD-2

8 converted from A-20B

A-20B-DLs transferred to USN for target towing and general duties; all armament removed.

[ Top of Page | Feedback ]

Specifications

Model

Prototype
7B

DB-7
Havoc I

DB-7A

DB-7B
Boston III

A-20A

Dimensions

Span

61 ft 0 in
18.59 m

61 ft 3 in
18.67 m

61 ft 3 in
18.67 m

61 ft 4 in
18.69 m

61 ft 4 in
18.69 m

Length

45 ft 5 in
13.84 m

47 ft 0 in
14.33m

47 ft 0 in
14.33m

47 ft 6 in
14.48m

47 ft 7 in
14.50m

Height

-

15 ft 10 in
4.83 m

15 ft 10 in
4.83 m

17 ft 7 in
5.36 m

17 ft 7 in
5.36 m

Wing area

464 sq ft
43.107 sq m

464 sq ft
43.107 sq m

464 sq ft
43.107 sq m

464 sq ft
43.107 sq m

464 sq ft
43.107 sq m

Powerplant

Type

P & W
R-1830-S3C3-G

P & W
R-1830-SC3-G

Wright
R-2600-A5B

Wright R
2600-A5B

Wright
R-2600-11

Cubic Capacity

-

-

-

-

-

Cylinders

14

14

14

14

14

Horsepower

1,100

1,000

1,600

1,600

1,600

Weights and Loads

Weight (maximum takeoff)

15,200 lb
6,895 kg

19,040 lb
8,636 kg

19,322 lb
8,765 kg

19,750 lb
8,958 kg

20,711 lb
9,3,94 kg

Empty weight

?

11,400 lb
5,171 kg

13,674 lb
6,202 kg

12,200 lb
5,534 kg

15,165 lb
6,879 kg

Useful load

?

7,640 lb
3,465 kg

5,648 lb
2,567 kg

7,550 lb
3,432 kg

5,546 lb
2,521 kg

Performance

Maximum speed
at [height] mph kph

304 484
[5,000 ft]
[1,524 m]

295 475
[13,000 ft]
[3,960 m]

323 520
[12,800 ft]
[3,900 m]

320 515
[11,000 ft]
[3,355 m]

347 558
[12,400 ft]
[3,780 m]

Stalling speed

-

-

-

-

-

Climb height/min

-

12,000 ft/8
3,658 m/8

2,420 ft/1
738 m/1

2,000 ft/1
610 m/1

10,000 ft/5.1
3,050 m/5.1

Service ceiling

27,600 ft
8,715 m

25,800 ft
7,835 m

27,680 ft
8,435 m

24,500 ft
7,470 m

28,175 ft
8,590 m

Range (combat)

1,555 ml
2,503 km

996 ml
1,603 km

490 ml
789 km

1,240 ml
1,996 km

525 ml
845 km

 

Model

A-20C
Boston IIIA

A-20G-20

P-70

Dimensions

Span

61 ft 4 in
18.69 m

61 ft 4 in
18.69 m

61 ft 4 in
18.69 m

Length

47 ft 3.5 in
14.42m

48 ft 0 in
14.63m

47 ft 7 in
14.50m

Height

17 ft 7 in
5.36 m

17 ft 7 in
5.36 m

17 ft 7 in
5.36 m

Wing area

464 sq ft
43.107 sq m

464 sq ft
43.107 sq m

464 sq ft
43.107 sq m

Powerplant

Type

Wright
R-2600-23

Wright
R-2600-23

Wright
R-2600-11

Cubic Capacity

     

Cylinders

14

14

14

Horsepower

1,600

1,600

1,600

Weights and Loads

Weight (maximum takeoff)

21,500 lb
9,752 kg

24,127 lb
10,964 kg

21,264 lb
9,645 kg

Weight empty

15,090 lb
6,845 kg

16,993 lb
7,708 kg

16,031 lb
7,272 kg

Useful load

6,410 lb
2,914 kg

7,134 lb
3,243 kg

5,233 lb
2,379 kg

Performance

Maximum speed
at [height] mph kph

342 552
[13,000 ft]
[3,960 m]

317 510
[10,700 ft]
[3,260 m]

329 529
[14,000 ft]
[4,269 m]

Stalling speed

-

-

-

Climb height/min

10,000 ft/6.3
3,050 m/6.3

10,000 ft/8.8
3,050 m/8.8

12,000 ft/8
3,658 m/6.3

Service ceiling

25,000 ft
7,720 m

25,000 ft
7,720 m

25,000 ft
7,720 m

Range (combat)

745 ml
1,199 km

945 ml
1,521 km

1,060 ml
1,706 km

 

Armament

Model

fixed nose guns

flexible dorsal guns

flexible ventral guns

fixed nacelle guns

bomb load

Prototype
7B

2 x 0.50 in 12.5 mm

6 x 0.30 in 7.5 mm

1 x 0.30 in 7.5 mm

1 x 0.30 in 7.5 mm

-

Normal 1,560 lb 708 kg
Max. 2,000 lb 908 kg

DB-7

4 x 7.5 mm 0.30 in

1 x 7.5 mm 0.30 in

1 x 7.5 mm 0.30 in

-

Normal 1,411 lb 640 kg
Max. 1,764 lb 800 kg

Havoc I night-fighter

8 x 0.303 in 7.5 mm

-

-

-

-

DB-7A

4 x 7.5 mm 0.30 in

1 x 7.5 mm 0.30 in

1 x 7.5 mm 0.30 in

2 x 7.5 mm 0.30 in

Normal 1,411 lb 640 kg
Max. 1,764 lb 800 kg

DB-7B
Boston III

4 x 0.303 in 7.5 mm

2 x 0.303 in 7.5 mm

1 x 0.303 in 7.5 mm

-

Normal 2,000 lb 908 kg

A-20A

4 x 0.30 in 7.5 mm

2 x 0.30 in 7.5 mm

1 x 0.30 in 7.5 mm

2 x 0.30 in 7.5 mm

Normal 1,600 lb 726 kg

A-20C

4 x 0.30 in 7.5 mm

[6 x 0.50 in 12.5 mm]

2 x 0.30 in 7.5 mm

1 x 0.30 in 7.5 mm

-

Normal 2,000 lb 908 kg

Boston IIIA

4 x 0.303 in 7.5 mm

2 x 0.303 in 7.5 mm

1 x 0.303 in 7.5 mm

-

Normal 2,000 lb 908 kg

A-20G-20

6 x 0.50 in 12.5 mm

2 x 0.50 in 12.5 mm

1 x 0.50 in 12.5 mm

-

Normal 2,000 lb 908 kg
Max. 4,000 lb 1,816 kg

P-70

4 x 20 mm 0.75 in

-

-

-

-

[ Top of Page | Feedback ]

[ Home | Top of Page | The Hangar | The Dock | The Barrack | The Garage | The Bunker ]
[ Forum |About WWII Tech Pubs | News | Links | Glossary | Contact Us | Disclaimer ]
WWII Tech Pubs

 

Mail the Pagemaster

WWII Tech Pubs