Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>TBM>HA1214
Grumman TBF-1 VT-8, June 1942 "Battle of Midway"
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
VT-8's first and best-known combat mission came during the Battle of
Midway on 4 June 1942. Six TBF-1s were present on Midway Island, as part
of VT-8 (Torpedo Squadron 8), while the rest of the squadron flew
Devastators from the Hornet. Unfortunately, both types of torpedo
bombers suffered heavy casualties, with only one Avenger surviving,
although they were credited with drawing away the Japanese combat air
patrols so the American dive bombers could successfully hit the Japanese
carriers.
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 |