420.GRUMMAN(GM)TBF(TBM) "AVENGER" CARRIER ATTACKER [U.S.A.]
TBM AVENGER
Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation had never built an offensive aircraft before designing the replacement for the TBF-1 Avenger. TheXTBF-1, which first flew in August 1940, was a sound machine with a tough airframe, wings with skewed hinges that allowed them to fold alongside the fuselage, an internal bay for torpedo or other ordnance,plenty of fuel, and a powered dorsal turret.
Eastern Aircraft was awarded a successive contact, delivering nearly identical models known as TBM in March 1942. Most of the Avengers produced were Eastern's TBM-3 model, noted for it powerful R-2600 engine,strengthened wings for increased gross weights, and reinforcement for carrying a radar scanner or rockets.
During the wal Eastern developed numerous, special-purpose TBM versions, used for photo-reconnaissance, transport, or night reconnaissane with early-warning equipment installed.
Other significant models were the 3E, which was the first specialized antisubmarine warfare aircraft to carry modern sensors and to operate from a carrier, and the 3W, which was the first aircraft to carry an earlywarning radar in service.
*Manufacturer: Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors Corporation
*Type: torpedo bomber
*Engine: Wright 14-cylinder double-row Cyclone;
TBM-1-R-2600-8, 1,700 hp; TBM-3-R-2600-20, 1,900 hp
*Dimension:wingspan 54 feet 2 inches, length 40 feet
*Weight: TBM-3-18,250 pounds(loaded)
*Speed: 275 mph maximum
*Ceiling: TBM-1-22,400 feet TBM-3-30,100 feet
*Range: 1,100 miles
*Armament: TBM-1-l cannon; TBM-3-2cannons
*Crew: 3
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