Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>TBM>HA1220

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