World War II · Aircraft
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was a carrier-based dive bomber that replaced the Douglas SBD Dauntless as the U.S. Navy's standard dive bomber in the later years of World War II. First flown in 1940 and entering combat in late 1943, it carried a heavier bomb load over greater range than the Dauntless. The Helldiver was plagued early on by stability problems, handling difficulties, and structural and quality issues that earned it the unflattering nickname 'the Beast,' and many crews initially considered it inferior to the aircraft it replaced.
Once its troubles were addressed, it became an effective strike aircraft, playing a major role in battles such as the Philippine Sea and the sinking of Japanese warships. Around 7,000 were built.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Curtiss-Wright
- Type
- Carrier dive bomber
- Crew
- 2
- First Flight
- 1940
- Powerplant
- 1 x 1,900 hp Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone radial
- Max Speed
- 295 mph
- Range
- 1,165 mi
- Service Ceiling
- 29,100 ft
- Length
- 36 ft 8 in
- Wingspan
- 49 ft 9 in
- Loaded Weight
- 16,616 lb (max)
- Armament
- 2 x 20mm cannon, 2 x .30 cal guns, up to 2,000 lb bombs