World War II · Aircraft
Douglas SBD Dauntless
The Douglas SBD Dauntless was the U.S. Navy's principal carrier-based dive bomber during the first half of World War II and one of the most important aircraft in the Pacific. First flown in 1940, it fought in every major Pacific carrier engagement. Dauntless dive bombers struck the decisive blow at the Battle of Midway in June 1942, sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers in a matter of minutes and turning the course of the war.
Stable, accurate, and rugged, the SBD could absorb heavy damage and was respected by its crews, who nicknamed it the 'Slow But Deadly.' Nearly 6,000 were built. Although gradually replaced by the SB2C Helldiver, the Dauntless sank more enemy shipping than any other American aircraft of the war.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Douglas
- Type
- Carrier dive bomber
- Crew
- 2
- First Flight
- 1940
- Powerplant
- 1 x 1,200 hp Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial
- Max Speed
- 255 mph
- Range
- 1,115 mi
- Service Ceiling
- 25,500 ft
- Length
- 33 ft 1 in
- Wingspan
- 41 ft 6 in
- Loaded Weight
- 10,700 lb (max)
- Armament
- 2 x .50 cal and 2 x .30 cal machine guns, up to 2,250 lb bombs