North American A-36

A-36 Mustang/Apache/Invader
North American A-36A
Role	Ground-attack/dive bomber Type of aircraft
Manufacturer	North American Aviation
Designer	Edgar Schmued
First flight	October 1942
Introduction	1942
Retired	1945
Primary user	United States Army Air Forces
Number built	500
Developed from	North American P-51 Mustang

The North American A-36 (company designation NA-97, listed in some sources as "Apache" or "Invader", but generally called Mustang) was the ground-attack/dive bomber version of the North American P-51 Mustang, from which it could be distinguished by the presence of rectangular, slatted dive brakes above and below the wings. A total of 500 A-36 dive bombers served in the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia theaters during World War II before being withdrawn from operational use in 1944.

The A-36 project was a stopgap measure intended to keep North American Aviation (NAA) assembly lines running during the first half of 1942 despite the US having exhausted its funds earmarked for fighter aircraft. When the order came for more P-51s in June 1942, the NAA workforce was thoroughly experienced.