Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>TBM>HA1208

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 Hornet CV-12 Essex Class carrier was originally USS Kearsarge renamed in honor of the USS Hornet CV-8 lost October 1942 at the Battle of Santa Cruz. The ship earned 7 Battle Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation during WWII. It is now a museum and designated as a National Historic Landmark. VT-2 with 18 TBF-1Cs assigned to the Hornet was one of the units involved in the first Battle of the Philippine Sea, aka "The Great Mariana's Turkey Shoot". This cost Japan 3 aircraft carriers and over 600 aircraft.

Specifications :

Dimensions:
Length:	40' 11.5"
Height:	16' 9"
Wingspan:	54' 2"
Weight:
Max weight:	17,364 lbs
Empty weight:	10,500 lbs
Engine & Power:	1 X Wright R-2600-20 @1900 hp
Power:	1700 HP at sea level
Performance:
Stall Speed :	Stall Speed: 77 mph IAS
Max Speed :	249 mph
Celling:	21,400 ft
Rate of climb:	1,400 fpm at sea level
Range:	1,100 miles
Armament:	2 X .50 cal machine guns in turret
	2 X .50 cal machine guns in wing
	1 X .30 gun in tail
	Various bombs or torpedo