Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver | |
|---|---|
| Pays | USA |
| Type | Bombardier |
Galerie photo sur un Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver, Le Curtiss SB2C Helldiver surnommé « The beast » (La bête) par ses équipages est un avion militaire de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. L’usine Curtiss reçu comme la Brewster une commande de l’US Navy en mai 1939 en vue de remplacer les Douglas SBD Dauntless comme bombardier en piqué sur les porte-avions américains. Le prototype vola pour la première fois le 18 décembre 1940 mais fut détruit dans un accident quelques jours plus tard. Cet incident ainsi que les nombreuses modifications (augmentation de la capacité d’emport de carburant, réservoirs auto-stoppants, renforcement de l’armement de bord, augmentation de la surface de la dérive et du gouvernail) entraîna un important retard et même si le premier exemplaire de série vola en juin 1942, la première mission de guerre ne s’effectua que le 11 novembre 1943 avec le bombardement de l’île de Rabaul.
Source: Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver sur Wikipedia Vu sur le forum
| Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver – WalkAround | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 49 |
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The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was the U.S. Navy’s principal carrier-based dive bomber during the latter half of World War II. Intended to replace the venerable SBD Dauntless, the SB2C was a larger, faster, and much more powerful aircraft. The SB2C-5 was the final production variant, featuring key improvements that addressed many of the earlier model’s notorious handling issues, earning it a grudging respect despite its difficult reputation.
Key Specifications (SB2C-5 Variant)
- Role: Carrier-based Scout Bomber / Dive Bomber.
- Power Plant: One Wright R-2600-20 ‘Twin Cyclone’ radial engine, delivering 1,900 hp.
- Crew: Two (Pilot and Radio Operator/Gunner).
- Max Speed: Approximately 295 mph (475 km/h).
- Armament (Fixed): Two 20 mm M2 cannons in the wings.
- Armament (Flexible): Two .30 cal M1919 Browning machine guns in the rear cockpit.
- Ordnance: Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) of bombs in an internal bomb bay or one Mark 13 torpedo (partially external), plus HVAR rockets or bombs on underwing hardpoints.
- Key Improvement: The -5 variant notably featured increased fuel capacity, extending its operational range.
Design and Operational History
The Helldiver’s development was protracted and plagued with issues, leading to its unflattering nicknames like the « Beast » or « Son of a Bitch Second Class. » The Navy’s requirement for a large aircraft with a substantial internal payload that could still fit two-abreast on carrier elevators forced Curtiss into a short-coupled design, which initially resulted in poor stability and difficult low-speed handling, especially during carrier landings.
However, once introduced, the later variants (like the SB2C-3, -4, and -5) became effective warplanes. They played a critical role in the major battles of the Pacific, including the Marianas, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa, where their heavy bomb load and accurate diving attack contributed to the sinking of numerous Japanese warships.
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