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TBM-3 “Avenger”, FT-28 of Flight 19, Squadron 79M, Fort Lauderdale NAS, Florida
General Background
The TBF/M “Avenger” was the biggest single engine aircraft during the WWII . She was ordered into production in Dec 1940 with first delivery just in time for the Battle of Midway. The “Avenger” was characterized by its rigid and strong body and its versatilities. She started out as a torpedo bomber but it soon took the duties as a close-support bomber, a patrol aircraft and even a trainer. After the war the Avenger was also used as crop dusters and forest fire water bombers .
The Aircraft
Five USN TBM Avengers of Flight 19 led by Lt. Charles Taylor from Fort Lauderdale NAS disappeared on a training exercise on December 5, 1945. The aircraft s and crew members were never found, along with a PBM Mariner seaplane and a crew of 13 that was sent to look for the missing Avengers.
U.S. Navy investigators concluded that Flight 19 had become disoriented and ditched at sea when they ran out of fuel . However, s ome questioned such explanation. “We all go down together” was the last ever heard from the s quadron . Flight 19 remains one of the greate mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle.
U.S. Navy investigators concluded that Flight 19 had become disoriented and ditched at sea when they ran out of fuel . However, s ome questioned such explanation. “We all go down together” was the last ever heard from the s quadron . Flight 19 remains one of the greate mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle.
Specifications :
| Crew : | 3 |
| Length: | 40 ft 11.5 in (12.48 m) |
| Wingspan: | 54 ft 2 in (16.51 m) |
| Height: | 15 ft 5 in (4.70 m) |
| Empty weight: | 10,545 lb (4,783 kg) |
| Loaded weight: | 17,893 lb (8,115 kg) |
| Power-plant: | 1!N Wright R-2600-20 radial engine, 1,900 hp (1,420 kW) |
| Maximum speed: | 276 mph (444 km/h) |
| Range: | 1,000 miles (1,610 km) |
| Service ceiling: | 30,100 ft (9,170 m) |
| Rate of climb: | 2,060 ft/min (10.5 m/s) |
| Wing loading: | 36.5 ft·lbf²(178 kg/m²) |
| Power/mass: | 0.0094 hp/lb (0.17 kW/kg) |
| Armament: | 1x 0.30 cal (7.62 mm) nose-mounted machine gun |
| 2x 0.50 cal (12.7 mm) wing-mounted machine guns | |
| 1x 0.50 cal (12.7 mm) dorsal-mounted machine gun | |
| 1x 0.30 cal (7.62 mm) ventral-mounted machine gun | |
| Up to 2,000 lb (900 kg) of bombs | |
| 1x 2,000 lb (900 kg) torpedo |