Air Power Series>1:32 die-cast display model>SBD>HA0214

General Background

The Douglas “Dauntless” was the workhorse for the US Navy during the WWII. This “Slow but Deadly” dive-bomber was the only plane that had fight in every major Pacific conflicts. Although it had been considered obsolete in 1941 already, the Dauntless was used until 1944 and undertook the last major conflict in the Battle of Philippine Sea. A total of 5,936 SBDs were produced in WWII.

The Aircraft

In June 1944 Bombing 39 (VB-16) was onboard USS Lexington with 34 SBD “Dauntless” aircraft. Lt. Cook “Cookie” Cleland and rear gunner W.J Hisler flying SBD White 39 began to attack a Japanese Betty bomber. Cleland used his 7.9mm cowling machine gun and damaged the Betty’s engine while trying to avoid the Betty’s 20mm tail machine gun. Next Cleland pulled up beside the Betty and its waist gunner and Hisler began to exchange fire so Cleland pulled out front so Hisler could shoot the crew and bring down the Betty.

Specifications :

Dimensions:
Length:	32 ft., 8 in.
Height:	13 ft., 7 in.
Wingspan:	41ft., 6 in.
Weights:
Empty:	6,345 lb.
Gross:	10,400 lb.
Powerplant:	One 1,000 horsepower Wright R-1820-52 engine
Performance:
Maximum Speed:	250 M.P.H.
Maximum Range with Bomb Load:	1,345 miles
Service Ceiling:	27,100 ft.
Crew:	Pilot and gunner/radio operator
Armament:	Two fixed forward-firing .50-in. guns, two flexible-mounted rear-firing .30-in. guns, 1,200 lb. of ordnance