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TBM-3 "Avenger" VT(N)-90, USS Entertprise (CV-6), 15 March 1945 "Night Fighting Bomber"
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
The Night Torpedo Squadron 90 (VTN-90) was one of the first full US Navy squadrons developed and trained specifically for night and all-weather operations.
Together with VF(N)-90, VT(N)-90 deployed 37 TBM-3Ds as Night Air Group 90 with USS Enterprise from 24 December 1944 to April 1945. They operated off the coast of Kyushu in coordination with day-time squadrons and kept the Japanese aircraft pinned down and destroyed.
Together with VF(N)-90, VT(N)-90 deployed 37 TBM-3Ds as Night Air Group 90 with USS Enterprise from 24 December 1944 to April 1945. They operated off the coast of Kyushu in coordination with day-time squadrons and kept the Japanese aircraft pinned down and destroyed.
Specifications :
| Basic role: | Torpedo bomber modified for night fighting |
| Crew: | 3 (pilot, bombardier, rear gunner) |
| Length: | 40'11"(12.4m) |
| Height: | 16' 5"(5.0m) |
| Wingspan: | 54' 2"(16.5m) |
| Wing area: | 490 sq. ft (45.5 sq. m) |
| Empty weight: | 10, 545 lb(4,782kg) |
| Gross weight: | 17,895 lb (8,115kg) |
| Max weight: | 17,895lb(8,115kg) |
| Powerplant: | 1 X Wright R-2600-20 @1900 hp |
| Range: | 1,010mi (1,626km) |
| Cruise speed: | 147mph (236 km/h) (127kt) |
| Max speed: | 276mph (444 km/h) (240kt) |
| Climb rate: | 2,060 ft/min (627 m/min) |
| Ceiling: | 30,100ft (9.174 m) |