Navy would not accept the SB2C until 880 modifications to the design and the changes on the production line had been made, delaying the Curtiss “Helldiver’s” combat debut until November 1943. Nevertheless, production tempo accelerated with production at Columbus, Ohio and two Canadian factories. The program suffered so many delays that the Grumman TBF “Avenger” entered service before the “Helldiver”, even though the “Avenger” had begun its development two years later. The SB2C-2 was built with larger fuel tanks, improving its range considerably. Fin and rudder area were increased, fuel capacity was increased, self-sealing tanks were added and the fixed armament was doubled to four 12.7 mm machine guns in the wings, compared with the prototype’s two cowling guns. Large-scale production had already been ordered on November 1940, but a large number of modifications were specified for the production model. The revised prototype flew again on October 1941, but was destroyed when its wing failed during diving tests on December 1941. The fuselage was lengthened and a larger tail was fitted, while an autopilot was fitted to help the poor stability. The first prototype made its maiden flight on December 1940. It crashed on February 1941 when its engine failed on approach, but Curtiss was asked to rebuild it. Marines and United States Army Air Forces, the manufacturer incorporated features of a “multi-role” aircraft into the design. Saddled with demanding requirements set forth by both the U.S. It featured an internal bomb bay that reduced drag when carrying heavy ordnance. It was a much larger aircraft, able to operate from the latest aircraft carriers and carry a considerable array of armament. POWER PLANT: One Wright R-2600-20 “Twin Cyclone” radial engine, rated at 1,900 hpĬOMMENT: The Curtiss SB2C “Helldiver” was developed to replace the Douglas SBD “Dauntless”. ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and radio operator/gunner
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