Aviation of World War II

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TB2D "Skypirate"
Torpedo Bomber
Douglas

XTB2D-1 on landing

TB2D "Skypirate". In addition to the possibility of torpedo throwing, the new torpedo bomber had to be adapted for bombing, reconnaissance and become a fairly versatile vehicle. On October 31, 1943, four days after the launch of the lead aircraft carrier of the "Midway" series, the military signed a contract for the construction of two prototypes, designated TB2D and officially named "Skypirate". However, the first prototype XTB2D-1 took off only on March 13, 1945 (according to other sources, in February). In the summer of the same year, a second copy was flown, which differed in the length of the fuselage increased by 0.58 m. Armament was not installed on prototypes.

By the beginning of 1945, the main forces of the Japanese fleet had already been defeated, and the need for new TB2D aircraft virtually disappeared. Therefore, the order for 23 production vehicles was canceled, and flight tests of two prototypes were suspended. At the end of 1948, these prototypes were scrapped.

"Skypirate" was the largest single-engine carrier-based aircraft developed in America during the Second World War. In terms of wingspan and takeoff weight, this aircraft surpassed even the average twin-engine North American B-25B "Mitchell" - the largest aircraft that took off from the deck of an aircraft carrier.



XTB2D-1 Specification
Crew 3
Dimensions
Wingspan, m 21.34
Wings area, m² 56.21
Length, m 14.02
Height, m 5.05
Powerplant
1 PE Pratt & Whitney XR-4360-8 "Wasp Major, power. h.p. 3000
Weight, kg
Empty 8348
Loaded weight 12,948
Gross weight 15,767
Performance
Maximum speed, km/h 547
Cruising speed, km/h 270
Rate of climb, m/min 1122
Service ceiling, m 7470
Service range, km 2300

Weapons . Seven 12.7 mm Browning M-2 machine guns, maximum bomb load - 3810 kg, up to four torpedoes Mk.13, Mk.13-2 or Mk.13-2A, or bombs weighing from 1814 kg.

Photo Description
Drawing Douglas TB2D

Drawing Douglas TB2D

Bibliography

  • Torpedo TB2D Skypirate / Mikhail Zhirokhov /
  • Encyclopedia of American Military Aircraft. Douglas XBT2D Dauntless II / Joe Baugher /