Douglas TBD Devastator
The Douglas TBD Devastator was the U.S. Navy's first all-metal, monoplane carrier-based aircraft and its standard torpedo bomber at the outbreak of World War II. First flown in 1935 and entering service in 1937, it was an advanced design for its day but was obsolete by the time war came. The Devastator is most remembered for the Battle of Midway in June 1942, where torpedo squadrons attacking the Japanese fleet were almost annihilated by enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire; Torpedo Squadron 8 was wiped out with only one survivor.
Their sacrifice helped draw Japanese defenders down low, leaving the way open for American dive bombers. Only about 130 were built, and the surviving Devastators were quickly withdrawn from combat in favor of the TBF Avenger.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Douglas
- Type
- Carrier torpedo bomber
- Crew
- 3
- First Flight
- 1935
- Powerplant
- 1 x 900 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp radial
- Max Speed
- 206 mph
- Range
- 435 mi
- Service Ceiling
- 19,500 ft
- Length
- 35 ft
- Wingspan
- 50 ft
- Loaded Weight
- 10,194 lb (max)
- Armament
- 1 x .30 cal and 1 x .50 cal machine guns, 1 torpedo or 1,000 lb bombs