Air Power Series>1:32 die-cast display model>SBD>HA0208

General Background

Designed as a light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, various versions of the Dauntless served during the war with the US Marine Corps, Army and Navy. The US Military initially ordered 144 Douglas Dauntless SBD-1s with only 57 actually being produced; the remaining 87 were modified to SBD-2 standards. The Douglas Dauntless was the workhorse of the US Navy in the Pacific and was the only plane to fight in every major Pacific engagement. Production ended in July 1944 with a total of 5,936 had been built in all versions.

The Aircraft

riginally activated as VB-6M the unit was re-designated VMB-1 in 1937. In late 1940 VMB-1 was the second Marine unit to receive the new Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless. Because mid-1940 was a relatively quiet period for the Marines VMB-1 its 19 SBD-1s were stationed at Quantico, Virginia learning the intricacies of the new aircraft and learning amphibious assault support tactics. On July 1, 1942 they were once again re-designated as VMSB-132. SBD-1 BuNo. 1616 at Chula Vista, California on August 10, 1942.

Specifications :

Role:	Scout/Dive Bomber
Production:	57
Operator:	USMC
Dimensions:
Length:	32 ft., 2 in.
Height:	13 ft 7 in
Wingspan:	41 ft 6 in
Weights:
Empty:	5,903 lb
Maxinium:	9,790 lb
Performance:
Engine:	1 x R-1820-32, 1,000 hp
Rate Of Climb:	1,730 fpm
Service Ceiling:	29,600 ft
Speed
Cruising:	142 mph
Maximum:	253 mph
Range:
Bombing:	860 miles
Scouting:	1,165 miles
Armament:
Guns:
Fixed:	2 x .30 Cal
Flexible:	1 x .30 Cal
Bombs:	Maximum 1,200 lb