Based
on the Model 7A of 1936, the Douglas DB-7 first flew in
1939. The DB-7 was purchased by the French who used the
aircraft operationally just prior to the German attack in May 1940.
France's second order was diverted to Britain
after France's collapse. The RAF gave the DB-7 the name Boston.
Some aircraft were converted to night interceptors and given the
name Havoc.
The U.S. Army Air Corp also purchased the DB-7
giving it the designation A-20 and adopting the RAF name
Havoc. The U.S. also adapted the Havoc to the night fighter
role re-designating the aircraft the P-70.
Production ended in 1944 after Douglas had built about
7,400 aircraft.
