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Type: Attack Bomber Origin: North American Models: A-36A Crew: One First Flight: N/A Service Delivery: N/A Final Delivery: Prodcution: 500 Unit Cost: $49,000 Serial Number Range: 42-83663 to 42-84162 Powerplant: Model: Allison V-1710-87 Type: Liquid Cooled V-12 Number: One Horsepower: 1,325hp at 3,000 ft. Dimensions: Wing span: 37 ft. Length: 32 ft. 3 in. Height: 12 ft. 2 in. Wing Surface Area: N/A |
Weights: Empty: N/A Loaded: 10,000 lb. Performance: Maximum Speed: 365 mph Cruising Speed: 250 mph Initial climb: N/A Service Ceiling: 25,1000 ft. Range: 550 miles Armament: Two .50 machine guns in each wing. Two .50 machine guns in lower part of nose. Bombload: 1,000 lbs of bombs hung externally.  |
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COMMENTS: The A-36, dubbed "Apache" by NAA (though not adopted officially by the USAAF), was developed from the Mustang I in response to a USAAF requirement for a high-speed dive bomber. Air Force officials noted the success of the Junkers Ju-87 "Stuka" and developed the requirement to meet the needs of the Army to support its ground forces. The high speed of the A-36 required that it incorporate air brakes in the wings to limit its dive speed to 390mph to improve accuracy. The A-36 proved to be very successful in its service career flying 23,373 combat sortied and delivering over 8,000 tons of ordnance on targets in the Mediterranean theaters. A total of 84 enemy aircraft were shot down and 17 more straffed on the ground for a loss of 177 A-36's to enemy action. Though that is a loss of over 30% of the airframes built it is indicative of the dangerous and difficult missions it performed so successfully. |
