![]() Tough and reliable, the SBD Dauntless, nicknamed “Slow But Deadly”, was able to sustain severe battle damage and still return home. The Dauntless became famous for sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers at Midway in 1942, three of them after an ill fated attack by TBD Devastator torpedo planes had drawn all of the protecting Japanese fighters down to near sea level where they could not reach the SBD Dauntlesses in time. The Dauntless continued to serve on escort carriers for anti-submarine patrol and close-support duties. Production of the SBD Dauntless end in July 1944, but replacement with the SB2C Helldiver began in 1943. Later models had improved armament, a more powerful 1350 hp engine, greater fuel capacity, self-sealing fuel tanks, armor and bullet-proof windscreens, and radar was eventually installed. Improvements were made throughout production and six successive versions were built. These aircraft could carry increased bomb loads but there were always risks in doing so range was reduced and the length of runway required was increased. Armament on the DauntlessĪrmament on later versions of the Dauntless included two 0.5 inch machine guns fixed in nose, two 0.30 inch flexible machine guns in the rear cockpit, and a variety of bomb loads including one 1,000 pound bomb under the fuselage, and two 250 pound bombs or depth charges under the wings. 30 caliber machine guns on the SBD Dauntless. The pilot would then pull out of the dive and return to the carrier. Perforated dive brakes (flaps) added control in the dive, making the bomb drop more accurate. Accelerating rapidly, the bomb load was released as the aircraft neared the objective. The pilot would begin the dive at 15,000 to 20,000 feet, from a position almost directly above the target. The Dauntless was central to the Allied war effort in turning the tide against the ever expansionist Imperial Japanese forces. The dive bombers were often used to attack ships and other valuable targets. The Douglas SBD Dauntless was one of the best American Naval aircraft in the earlier years of the War in the Pacific, before more advantaged aircraft were built like the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. The Dauntless also served with Marine Corps squadrons.ĭuring World War II, the SBD Dauntless was typically assigned as part of an aircraft carrier air group which would have consisted of fighters, torpedo-bombers and Dauntless squadrons. The army version was used mainly for training rather than combat service. Army Air Corps and designated as A-24 Banshee, with delivery beginning June 1941. Navy approximately 780 SBDs were used by the U.S. USAAF photo.Īlthough primarily used by the U.S. Perforated dive flap is visible one the wing edge.
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