Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>TBM>HA1207

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

USS Shamrock Bay was a Casablanca class escort carrier of the US Navy commissioned on March 1944. The VC-94 joined the carrier on Dec. 10, 1944 and took part on the attacks of the Philippines at the beginning of 1945. In the next 2 months they took part in the Operation "Iceberg" on the assault on Okinawa waters. Throughout the operation VC-94 flew over 1,000 sorties bombing and attacking enemy targets. On 27th May, 1945 the carrier return to the US after the completion of its task.

Specifications :

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)