Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>TBM>HA1219
Grumman TBM-3 White 86 of VC-88, USS Saginaw Bay, March 1945
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
From January 1945 until March 1945 the USS Saginaw Bay provided air cover for the
invasion of Iwo Jima and VC-88 lost one TBM-3. March 1, 1945 the 5th Fleet begins its raids
on the Ryukyu Islands in preparation for the major assault on Okinawa. On March 24, 1945,
one day before the start of the invasion USS Saginaw Bay arrived on station off Okinawa
and provided air support to the invading forces with VC-88 losing one TBM-3. USS Saginaw
Bay left for the U.S. on April 29, 1945.
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 |