The A-36A dive bomber was the first USAAF version of the Mustang developed for Britain in 1940. The A-36 fist flew in October 1942; production of 500 A-36As was completed by March 1943.

Unofficially named Invaders, A-36As were assigned to the 27th and 86th Bombardment Groups (Dive), later redesignated as Fighter-Bomber Groups. In June 1943 the plane went into action from North Africa. During the Italian campaign, A-36A pilots flew bomber escort and strafing missions as well as ground support bombing attacks. A-36As also served with the 311th Fighter Bomber Group in India. Dive brakes in the wings gave greater stability in a dive, but they were sometimes wired closed due to malfunctions. In 1944 AAF A-36As were replaced by P-51s and P-47s when experience showed that these high-altitude fighters, equipped with bomb racks, were more suitable for low-level missions than the A-36As.

---

SPECIFICATIONS:

Span: 37 ft.

Length: 32 ft. 3 in.

Height: 12 ft. 2 in.

Weight: 10,000 lbs. loaded

Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns, 1,000 lbs of bombs externally

Engine: Allison V-1710 of 1,325 hp

Cost: $49,000

PERFORMANCE:

Maximum speed: 365 mph

Cruising speed: 250 mph

Range: 550 miles

Service ceiling: 25,100 ft.