Another rare warbird announcement: The A-26 “Night Mission” makes its way to WOH for the first time ever-FB
Sign-up to Become an AIR SHOW INSIDER® for FREE below & SAVE UP TO 50% OFF* on 2026 CAF WINGS OVER HOUSTON Tickets!
The Commemorative Air Force Invader Squadron is bringing their A-26 “Night Mission” to Ellington Airport!
We’ve had many requests for more warbirds on the ramp. October marks the very first time this warbird has ever come to the Wings Over Houston Airshow.
Jokingly nicknamed “BUBA” (Big Ugly Black Airplane!), this Korean War-era painted beast has undergone an extensive restoration and is back flying. Only 16 of these remain airworthy in the world!
About the A-26 “Night Mission”:
A-26B SN# 43-7140 was built in 1943 it was the 328th A26B built at the Douglas plant in Long Beach, Calif. It was delivered to the USAAF on December 8, 1944 and given the USAAF serial number of 41-39427. It served with the following military units listed below:
- 127th base unit at Florence S.C. – January 4, 1944 through November 13, 1945
- 4160th base unit Air Material Command at Hobbs Field N.M. – November 13, 1945 through September 1948
- 4127th base unit Air Material Command at McLellan AFB in CA – September 1948 to March 13, 1950
On March 13, 1950, the aircraft was stricken from the USAF inventory and sold on the civilian market. The aircraft spent 2 years in storage until Alex Oser, a scrap dealer bought it and 13 other A26’s in January of 1952. On March 19, 1952, the aircraft was sold to Texas Railway Equipment Co. of Houston; this aircraft being one of nine sold to this company. Later, seven of the aircraft ended up going to the French Air Force.
The aircraft went through major modifications in April of 1953 when the aircraft was completely disassembled and all systems inspected and repaired or overhauled. It was at this time the aircraft was converted to an executive transport with many luxuries and modifications being done to the aircraft by Grand Central Aircraft Co. of Glendale, California.
We have a BIG 2025 ticket launch announcement to make this Thursday, June 12th!
If you haven’t signed up to become an Insider, please do so before this Thursday to find out when to purchase your tickets before the public and at the best discount of the year!
Info Sources:
- Photo #1 and #2 by Kevin Hong with Sector K Media
- Info: https://commemorativeairforce.org/aircraft/14
Sign-up to Become an AIR SHOW INSIDER® for FREE below & SAVE UP TO 50% OFF* on 2026 CAF WINGS OVER HOUSTON Tickets!
A Note on Performers:
Aircraft and performers are subject to change without notice, due to operational considerations. If anything changes, we will do our best to let you know. Thank you!
Your Privacy & Personal Information
The security of your personal online information is paramount to us! We attempt to go above and beyond to protect your online identity when using this web site or purchasing tickets to the Airshow. Any user information collected will be used for the purposes of giving you airshow updates, marketing the airshow, and selling tickets to the CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow. Your information will NEVER be sold or rented to any third parties. For additional privacy information details, please review our privacy policy.