Italeri 1/48 Douglas A-20B / Douglas Boston III # 2656

The Douglas A-20, known as the "Havoc" in the United States and the "Boston" in British and Commonwealth service, was a versatile twin-engine light bomber and attack aircraft that played a significant role in World War II.

Among the various versions of this aircraft, the A-20B and its British counterpart, the Boston III, were particularly noteworthy.

The Douglas A-20B was an early production variant of the A-20 series, primarily serving as a light bomber and attack aircraft. Introduced in 1941, the A-20B featured improvements over its predecessors, including a more powerful set of engines and enhanced armament.

The aircraft was powered by two Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone radial engines, giving it a top speed of around 340 mph (547 km/h) and a combat range of approximately 1,025 miles (1,650 km).

Its armament typically included a combination of forward-firing machine guns or cannons, as well as a bomb load of up to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg) in its internal bomb bay.

The Boston III was the British designation for the A-20B and other similar variants.

The aircraft was supplied to the Royal Air Force (RAF) through the Lend-Lease program, where it earned a reputation as a fast and reliable medium bomber.

The Boston III was adapted for various roles, including night intruder missions, where it would attack enemy airfields and transport convoys under the cover of darkness.

The aircraft was appreciated by its crews for its durability and the effectiveness of its weaponry.

In combat, both the A-20B and Boston III proved to be highly effective in various theaters of the war, including the European, Mediterranean, and Pacific theaters.

They were used in a wide range of missions, from ground attack and close air support to bombing raids and reconnaissance.

The aircraft's versatility, speed, and maneuverability made it a valuable asset in the Allied arsenal.

The Douglas A-20 series, including the A-20B and Boston III, left a lasting legacy as one of the most successful light bombers of World War II.

These aircraft contributed significantly to the Allied war effort, demonstrating the effectiveness of multi-role combat aircraft in modern warfare.