SB2C Helldiver

[hibbie2]

History: The Curtiss Helldiver, despite a reputation for being difficult to handle at low speeds, was responsible for the destruction of more Japanese targets than any other aircraft. The Curtiss SB2C single-engine dive-bomber joined the fleet late in 1943, joining the Douglas Dauntless as the primary attack/bombing planes for the US Navy. The two-man Helldiver had a top speed of 295 mph and good range, making it an essential tool in the far reaches of the Pacific war.

With underwing and bomb attachments, the Helldiver could carry 1,000 pounds of bombs or an internal torpedo; later improvements included an up-rated Wright Cyclone engine and rocket hard-points. It carried two fixed forward 20mm cannon and machine guns in the rear cockpit.

Only 26 of the 7,000 Helldivers built found their way to the other services; the plane was so valuable in the Pacific theater that the Navy absorbed nearly every plane. Postwar, the Helldiver found further use with the French, Italian, Greek and Portuguese Navies and the Royal Thai Air Force. Only one airworthy Helldiver remains -- with the Commemorative Air Force in Texas -- but at least one more is under restoration to airworthy status. [History by Jeff VanDerford]

Specifications (SB2C-4):
        Engine: One 1,900-hp Wright R-2600-20 Cyclone 14 radial piston engine
        Weight: Empty 10,547 lbs., Max Takeoff 16,616 lbs.
        Wing Span: 49ft. 9in.
        Length: 36ft. 8in.
        Height: 13ft. 2in.
        Performance:
            Maximum Speed: 295 mph
            Cruising Speed: 158 mph
            Ceiling: 29,100 ft.
            Range: 1,165 miles
        Armament:
            Two 20-mm wing-mounted cannon and two 7.62-mm (0.3-inch) machine guns in rear cockpit;
            Up to 2,000 pounds of bombs on underwing racks and in fuselage bay.

Number Built:  ~7,000

[hibbie2]

[Saxman]

It's been requested several times before. I wouldn't mind seeing it eventually, as it has some value for PTO scenarios set after the Battle of the Philippine Sea, but there are MANY aircraft of higher priority.

Also, bear in mind that until the very late versions (most of which I believe were introduced post-war) the Helldiver was a dog of an airplane. Difficult to fly, very poor performance, and not much better ordinance load than the F6F and F4U-1D anyway.

[Kermit de frog]

That is one badarse plane!
Hope it becomes added to the AH plane set.

[LT.Nick]

if im not mistaken, george bush (sr) flew in 1 of these. i say +1

[Saxman]

if im not mistaken, george bush (sr) flew in 1 of these. i say +1

TBM.

[FYB]

Has been asked for. My question is, why? They had a reputation for falling apart do to structural failure. Why do you think pilots preferred to fly the slower Dauntless? (Correct me if I'm wrong, haven't researched this plane in a while)

[l0newolf]

with 2 20 mms or 4 50s in the wings ill bite 

[fbEagle]

+1 

[Nemisis]

FYB, you still can't argue with numbers. The 262 had a reputation for a weak nose wheel, and you couldn't just kill the engines and glide in, you had to slowly work the throttle up or down. And I belive a lot of pilots dislike the 163 unless I'm mistaken. Look on the bright side, we aren't stuck with the TBD devestator instead of the TBM avenger.

  eventually, But other countries need some serious work, Italy especially. THEY HAVE TWO FRIGIN' PLANES!!!

[Saxman]

FYB, you still can't argue with numbers. The 262 had a reputation for a weak nose wheel, and you couldn't just kill the engines and glide in, you had to slowly work the throttle up or down. And I belive a lot of pilots dislike the 163 unless I'm mistaken. Look on the bright side, we aren't stuck with the TBD devestator instead of the TBM avenger.

  eventually, But other countries need some serious work, Italy especially. THEY HAVE TWO FRIGIN' PLANES!!!

Italy's plane set in virtually every scenario can also be realistically filled out with German Iron, as the Regia Aeronautica used LARGE numbers of German aircraft. There's no gaps in the Italian plane set that really need addressing to fill holes that no other aircraft can, except just to have an Italian-designed aircraft.

I'd put the He-111, Ki-43, G4M, Ki-44 and Ki-45 WAY above any Italian bird on the priority list.

[ACE]

+1 to the 20mms!

[Enker]

FYB, you still can't argue with numbers. The 262 had a reputation for a weak nose wheel, and you couldn't just kill the engines and glide in, you had to slowly work the throttle up or down. And I belive a lot of pilots dislike the 163 unless I'm mistaken. Look on the bright side, we aren't stuck with the TBD devestator instead of the TBM avenger.

I would take the Devastator over the Kate, at least it has a forward mounted gun.

[Nemisis]

Yeah. And why do the jap planes carry so little ord? and come to that, some have not that great of a gun package.

[Enker]

Yeah. And why do the jap planes carry so little ord? and come to that, some have not that great of a gun package.

Gee, 750 kg of ordinance sure isn't a lot. After all, most did come from a world where they measured weights in kilograms, not pounds. Besides, a Ki-84 loaded with two 500kg bombs definitely doesn't have nearly the same destructive capacity that a P-51 with two 1,000lb bombs. Look at the numbers! 1000 is much bigger than 500!