https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_SBD_Dauntless
The Douglas SBD Dauntless was a World War II American naval scout plane and dive
bomber that was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft from 1940 through 1944. The SBD
("Scout Bomber Douglas") was the United States Navy's main carrier-borne scout
plane and dive bomber from mid-1940 through mid-1944. The SBD was also flown by
the United States Marine Corps, both from land air bases and aircraft carriers.
The SBD is best remembered as the bomber that delivered the fatal blows to the
Japanese carriers at the Battle of Midway in June 1942.
SBDs played a major role in the Guadalcanal Campaign, operating off both
American carriers and from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. SBDs attacked
Japanese shipping throughout the campaign, and proved lethal to Japanese
shipping that failed to clear the slot by daylight. Losses inflicted included
the carrier Ryūjō, sunk near the Solomon Islands on 24 August. Three
other Japanese carriers were damaged during the six-month campaign. SBDs sank a
cruiser and nine transports during the decisive Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
The Dauntless was one of the most important aircraft in the Pacific War, sinking
more enemy shipping in the War in the Pacific than any other Allied bomber. In
addition, Barrett Tillman, in his book on the Dauntless, claims that it has a
"plus" score against enemy aircraft, considered to be a rare event for a nominal
"bomber".
Specifications (SBD-5)
General characteristics
Crew: 2
Wingspan: 41 ft 6⅜ in (12.66 m)
Height: 13 ft 7 in (4.14 m)
Empty weight: 6,404 lb (2,905 kg)
Loaded weight: 9,359 lb (4,245 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 10,700 lb (4,853 kg)
Performance
Maximum speed: 255 mph (222 knots, 410 km/h) at 14,000 ft (4,265 m)
Cruise speed: 185 mph (161 knots, 298 km/h)
Range: 1,115 mi (970 nmi, 1,795 km)
Service ceiling: 25,530 ft (7,780 m)
Rate of climb: 1,700 ft/min (8.6 m/s)
Power/mass: 8.92 lb/hp (5.42 kg/kW)
Armament
Guns:
engine cowling
Bombs: 2,250 lb (1,020 kg) of bombs
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