Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver
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The only flying Helldiver, the
Ghost Squadron's SB2C-5.
Image source: The Confederate Air Force Ghost Squadron CD-ROM produced by Corel. Photos by Bill Crump. |
Much larger, heavier and faster than the earlier Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber, the Curtiss Helldiver was often nicknamed the "Big Tailed Beast" or more often just "Beast" by its crews. During the last two years of the war, the SB2C proved itself an effective attack bomber. The Helldiver could carry up to 1,000 pounds of bombs in its bomb bay plus another 1,000 pounds externally, under the wings. Some versions were also armed with two or four 20mm cannons mounted in the wings, which were very effective for strafing enemy ships and other targets.
The rear gunner had two .30 caliber machine guns to defend the Helldiver from attack from behind, and to allow these guns a greater angle of fire, the upper fuselage just behind the rear cockpit could be hydraulically retracted and collapsed.
The U.S. Army Air Corps even purchased some of the Curtiss design, calling them A-25 Shrikes, however, these aircraft were used primarily for second-line duties, including training and target towing. In fact, demand for the Helldiver by the U.S. Navy was so great that only 26 of an order for 450 were ever received by the British under Lend-Lease. These British versions were known as Helldiver Is.
Although over 7,000 Helldivers were produced during the Second World War, today only one survives in flying condition. The CAF Helldiver that you see here was purchased by Col. Bob Griffin in 1971 and immediately donated to the CAF Ghost Squadron. The Helldiver suffered major damage due to an engine failure on take off several years ago, but was completely rebuilt and restored thanks to the members and other volunteers of the West Texas Wing of the CAF.
One Pilot and Gunner One Wright R-2600-20 Engine Two 20 mm Cannons Max. Speed 260 mph @ 16,000 feet |
Climb to 10,000 ft in 8.9 minutes Length 36' 8" Max. Weight 15,918 lbs Maximum Range 1,805 miles |
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