- quality wooden model WWI and WWII airplanes -
- quality wooden model WWI and WWII airplanes -
TBF/TBM Avenger, US Navy
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In response to a 1939 requirement for a carrier-based torpedo-bomber to replace the TBD Devastator, Grumman produced the TBF Avenger equipped with an electrically powered gun turret and an internal bomb-bay for four 500 lb bombs or an aerial torpedo. Later, in 1942 General Motors also built the TBF known as the TBM. Crewed by a pilot, radioman and gunner, the TBF/TBM could cruise at 145 mph. A total of 9,842 Avengers were produced, the last of which was retired in 1954. The combat debut of the TBF occurred during the Battle of Midway when six of them were launched from Midway without fighter escort to attack the approaching Japanese fleet. Jumped by Zeros during their torpedo runs, five were shot down while the sixth was so badly shot-up (pilot and radioman wounded, gunner killed) that it was scrapped after landing at Midway with open bomb-bay doors and only one wheel extended. Other combat highlights involving the Avenger included: shooting down 92 planes in aerial combat; sinking thirty-one German submarines in the Atlantic; sinking 6 Japanese transports in one day by aircraft from a single squadron and sinking the world's largest battleships - the Musashi and the Yamato. Crew:
Pilot, gunner, radio operator
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