Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>SBD>HA0172

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

Originally 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 :

Crew:	Scout/Dive Bomber
Producion:	57
Operator :	USMC
Dimension:
Length:	32 ft., 2 in.
Height:	13 ft., 7 in.
Wingspan:	41ft., 6 in.
Weight:
Empty:	5,9003 lb.
Gross:	9,790 lb.
Performance:
Powerplant:	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:
Gun:	Fixed – 2 x .30 Cal
	Flexible – 1 x .30 Cal
Bombs	Maximum 1,200 lb