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TB2D "Skypirate"
Torpedo Bomber
Douglas
 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.
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Aircraft