Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver | |
|---|---|
| Pays | USA |
| Type | Bombardier |
Photo Gallery on a Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver, The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver surnommé « The beast » (La bête) par ses équipages est un avion militaire de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. L’usine Curtiss received as the Brewster an order from the U.S. Navy in May 1939 to replace the Douglas SBD Dauntless as a dive bomber on U.S. aircraft carriers. The prototype first flew on December 18, 1940, but was destroyed in an accident a few days later. This incident, as well as the numerous modifications (increased fuel carrying capacity, hitchhiking tanks, reinforcement of the on-board armament, increased surface area of the drift and rudder) caused a significant delay and although the first series copy flew in June 1942, the first war mission did not take place until 11 November 1943 with the bombardment of Rabaul Island.
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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