A-20 Havoc

Douglas A-20 Havoc airplane model. The A-20 Havoc was the most-produced attack bomber during World War II. A total of 7,477 A-20s were built, most at Douglas, although 380 were built at the Boeing plant in Seattle. The Havoc was a mid-wing, twin-engine, three-place medium bomber that earned a reputation for getting its crews home, even when both crew and aircraft suffered crippling blows. It was called the "Boston" when it was built for England's Royal Air Force.

It entered production when, despite official neutrality in 1938, there was little doubt in the United States that the country should support its allies, Britain and France. The French saw the secret bomber project at the Douglas Santa Monica facility and ordered the first 107 A-20s, they were to be delivered to the French Purchasing Commission at Santa Monica starting in October, with deliveries made by ship to Casablanca. The French then ordered another 270 A-20s. Before the fall of France in June 1940, half had been accepted, but many were still enroute. Sixteen had been diverted to Belgium's Aviation Militaire. The United Kingdom took over 162 of the A-20s intended for France as well as Belgium, which also had fallen. By the time the United States entered World War II at the end of 1941, British Havocs and Boston's had already performed well for most of the year against German targets in North Africa and Southern Europe.

Mahogany Wood. Scale: 1/48. Wingspan 15 1/2 inches, Length 12 inches.