Happy Birthday To The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver

Curtiss SB2C Helldiver of the Commemorative Air Force. ( GNU Free Documentation License)

Fresh Cute and Inspirational Birthd...
Fresh Cute and Inspirational Birthday Wishes

Curtiss SB2C Helldiver of the  Commemorative Air Force. ( GNU Free Documentation License)
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver of the Commemorative Air Force. ( GNU Free Documentation License)

By Aviation Enthusiasts LLC

Seventy-four years ago today, the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver took flight for the first time.  A carrier-based dive and torpedo bomber, the Helldiver was designed to replace the Douglas SBD Dauntless.  SB2Cs were large aircraft due to the requirement of an internal bomb bay; Helldivers were built to carry a 2,000 pound bomb internally, or two smaller 1,600 pound weapons, or a torpedo.  SB2Cs first went to war with VB-17 on the USS Bunker Hill in November 1943 and the Navy used the platform in every major surface action as an integral part of its carrier air groups until the end of the war.  The bane of Navy pilots because of reliability problems and difficult handling characteristics, the Helldiver picked up the derogatory nickname “Beast” and “Son of a Bitch, 2nd Class” (after its designation).

The world's only airworthy SB2C Helldiver from the Commemorative Air Force's West Texas Wing at the 2012 Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show.
The world’s only airworthy SB2C Helldiver from the Commemorative Air Force’s West Texas Wing at the 2012 Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show.

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