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Grumman TBF-1C Avenger "The Battle of Leyte" White 93 of VT-15, USS Essex (CV 9), Nov 1944
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
In mid-May 1944 the USS Essex joined other carriers to carry out strikes on the Marcus
and Wake Islands. In June and August Essex supported the occupation of the Marianas
and carried out attacks on shipping around the Palau Islands and Mindanao in
September. In October the USS Essex and VT-15 took part in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and
on November 5, 1944 TBF-1C Bu.No 46353 White 93’s gunner was killed attacking an
IJN Cruiser. On November 25 USS Essex was badly damaged by a Kamikaze 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 |