TBF Avenger

tbf-avenger.jpg

The Grumman TBF Avenger was a single engined torpedo bomber aircraft manufactured by General Motors. Designed by Leroy Grumman, it was a U.S Military requirement to replace the obsolescent Douglas TBD Devastator. The TBF Avenger first flew on August 1 1941. In June 1942, it entered U.S Navy service just in time to take place in the Battle of Midway. During its World War II lifespan, the Avenger design changed very little, and this allowed it to be built in huge quantities. Demand for the airplane was so great that the General Motors Company was also contracted to build it, under the designation TBM-1, beginning in September 1942.

The Avenger’s torpedo-delivery capability had a huge impact on the Japanese fleet during the war, and its rugged simplicity made it highly resistant to enemy air defenses. After the war, the Avenger continued to find niches in naval aviation. The US Navy maintained it as a search-and-rescue aircraft, an all-weather night bomber, an electronic countermeasures platform, a Carrier On-Board Delivery (COD) aircraft, and a target tug. The Avenger was arguably the U.S. Navy’s most successful torpedo and bomber aircraft of World War II. The Avenger also saw service in the British Royal Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Unbelievably, some Avengers continued earning their keep until more than sixty years after their debut. Until recently, at least one aerial firefighting operation used Avengers as firebombers and/or fire spotters over the woods of Canada. Many more have found their way into the caring hands of collectors and warbird museums. Developed initially for the U.S Navy and Marine Corps, the TBF Avenger was operated by several air or naval arms around the world. A total of 9,837 TBF Avenger built.

Specifications (TBF Avenger):

Type: Bomber aircraft
Crew: 3
Length: 40 ft 11.5 in (12.48 m)
Wingspan: 54 ft 2 in (16.51 m)
Height: 15 ft 5 in (4.70 m)
Wing area: 490.02 ft² (45.52 m²)
Empty weight: 10,545 lb (4,783 kg)
Loaded weight: 17,893 lb (8,115 kg)
Powerplant: 1× Wright R-2600-20 radial engine, 1,900 hp (1,420 kW)
Maximum speed: 276 mph (444 km/h)
Service ceiling 30,100 ft (9,170 m)
Rate of climb: 2,060 ft/min (10.5 m/s)
Armament:


Filed Under History

Comments

Leave a Reply