Capt. Winters
Charter Member
Hi Guys,
Just a heads up that the Helldiver set by Steve Seybolt has been uploaded.
Will be available soon.
***THIS SET INCLUDES THE PREVIOUSLY RELEASED SB2C-1C AIRCRAFT, IF YOU HAVE DOWNLOADED THIS EARLIER SET SIMPLY ALLOW THIS NEW SET TO OVERWRITE THE OLD ONES****
updates to the SB2C-1C include effects, damage values to tail section.
Rami, could you please delete the original upload of the SB2C-1C.
regards Rob.
the set includes:
CFS3 oriiginal models.
Curtiss SB2C-1C Mod.III Helldiver. x 2 (US Navy)
Curtiss SB2C-3C Helldiver. x 2 (US Navy, US Marine Corps)
Curtiss A25A Shrike. x 2 (USAAF, RAAF)
Original external model is converted from an FSDS model by Wolgang Faber
Model rework by Steve (Sdsbolt) Seybolt
Textures by John (Bravo/4) Whelan
Mos File by Rob (Capt. Winters) Stevenson
XDP compilation, research by Rob (Capt. Winters) Stevenson
Help files by Rob (Capt. Winters) Stevenson
Flight Model By Ted (Nachtpiloten) Kaniuk
Weapons by AvHistory
Weapon updates by Joost (frosty).
Engine sounds by Lawdog. (see original readme in SJ_SB2C-1C_VB17_43 sound folder.)
Note: if installed into stock CFS3 it will require the following addons to be installed:
*NEK redux edition by Rick Rutherford. this will give you the extra countries required for the aircraft set.
If installed into ETO, Rising Sun or MAW addons then no extra files are required.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
Unzip to a temporary folder:
Place aircraft folders into games main aircraft folder.
Place Pylon files into games main pylon folder. (allow to overwrite if asked)
Place weapon files into games main weapon folder. (allow to overwrite if asked)
Place gun files into games main guns folder. (allow to overwrite if asked)
******NOTE ON WEAPONS********
The SB2C-3 did not carry rockets but included with the two SB2C models is an alternate xdp file that has two rocket loadouts.
If you would like to use these loadouts. you need to rename the existing aircraft xdp file (example SJ_SB2C-3_343_44_orig) and then change the name of the alternate xdp file by removing the _rockets from the end of the name. Then delete the bdp file. to go back to stock simply reverse the process.
In game player views.
Pilot Views- using F6 to cycle through:
Defualt view - Close Pilot view.
2nd view - gun sight.
3rd view - Instrument view.
4th view - Pilot Wide view.
Gunner Views using F8 to cycle through:
1st view -lower the turtleback.
the first gunners position you get to will allow you to lower the trutle back by pushing your joystick forward, then hit F8 to go to the next gunners position which is the close view and if you hit F8 again you'll get a wide view gunners position. hitting F8 again will take you back to the turtleback position were you can raise the turtleback by pulling back on the joystick ready for landing.
2nd view - Close gunner view.
3rd view - Wide gunner view.
Dive Brakes are activated and deactivared with the "D" key.
Note: the rear gunner position will remain closed while the wheels are down. once the landing gear has been retracted the rear gunner hatch will open.
Freeware Item not to be loaded onto any web site without the written permission of Steve Seybolt.
copyright 2013.
AIRCRAFT HISTORIES.
Curtiss SB2C-1C Mod.III Helldiver
=====================================
Unit: VB-8. (Bombing Eight)
Serial: White B-16
East Coast United States.
July 1943.
The first production SB2C-1 flew June 30, 1942 and in 1943 replaced the SBD Dauntless as the USN s main dive-bomber. Four years after it was first ordered there still wasnt one plane manufactured and when the planes finally started to arrive they were so poorly made that some would break in half upon landing, some would lose tail-wheels or some wings would fail in dives. The aircraft were refused by Great Britain and several other countries because of these problems and poor performance. The aircraft under went improvements, MOD II saw over 800 technical changes to each plane. After many MODS and variants the Helldiver became an effective plane and was nicknamed The Big Tail Beast referring to its over sized tail that was needed to correct control problems. Some referred to it as sum bitch second class .
This is an airplane that never would have gone into full production if WWII hadnt necessitated doing so. Even the USAAF cancelled their order and the planes that they did receive never saw battle. The captain of the Yorktown refused to sail with the Helldiver and went to sea with the Dauntless. Only after hundreds of changes and modifications did the SB2C go on to become one of the most effective dive-bombers of WWII. VB-17 was the first unit to take the new SB2C-1 MOD III into combat on board USS Bunker Hill.
VB-8 was formed on the East Coast in July 1943. The depicted markings on this aircraft date from late that year owing to the red border around the 'star and bars'. The Alpha-numeric squadron identification was used only on US-based aircraft assigned to a carrier air group, as such high visibility markings would have been a liability in combat. Bombing Eight relieved VB-17 aboard Bunker Hill in March 1944, and remained aboard until October - one of the longer SB2C deployments of the war.
Curtiss SB2C-1C Mod.III Helldiver.
=====================================
Unit: VB-17 flown from the carrier U.S.S. Bunker Hill.
Serial: White 4
Rabaul.
November 1943.
The first production SB2C-1 flew June 30, 1942 and in 1943 replaced the SBD Dauntless as the USN s main dive-bomber. Four years after it was first ordered there still wasnt one plane manufactured and when the planes finally started to arrive they were so poorly made that some would break in half upon landing, some would lose tail-wheels or some wings would fail in dives. The aircraft were refused by Great Britain and several other countries because of these problems and poor performance. The aircraft under went improvements, MOD II saw over 800 technical changes to each plane. After many MODS and variants the Helldiver became an effective plane and was nicknamed The Big Tail Beast referring to its over sized tail that was needed to correct control problems. Some referred to it as sum bitch second class .
This is an airplane that never would have gone into full production if WWII hadnt necessitated doing so. Even the USAAF cancelled their order and the planes that they did receive never saw battle. The captain of the Yorktown refused to sail with the Helldiver and went to sea with the Dauntless. Only after hundreds of changes and modifications did the SB2C go on to become one of the most effective dive-bombers of WWII. VB-17 was the first unit to take the new SB2C-1 MOD III into combat on board USS Bunker Hill.
MOD III seemed to fix the weak fuselage structure that formerly would buckle or break on landing. CO LCDR James Moe Vose was a veteran and was assigned B-4 aircraft. On November 11, 1943 as part of Task Force 38 the USS Bunker Hill was directed to strike the main Japanese base at Rabaul. This would be VB-17s first combat mission and test under fire for the Helldiver. Vose led 23 SB2C-1s and when the force arrived at Rabaul they were greeted by Zeroes. Immediately the escorting Hellcats engaged the Zeroes allowing the Helldivers to attack the Japanese ships maneuvering to avoid them. After 20 minutes it was time to return to the Bunker Hill but not before the SB2Cs damaged a cruiser and three destroyers with one destroyer being sunk. VB-17 lost 4 Helldivers that day, one crashed on take off and one was jettisoned after landing because it was so battle damaged.
Curtiss SB2C-3C Helldiver
=====================================
Unit: VB-7 flown from the carrier U.S.S. Hancock.
Serial: White 22
Leyte Gulf.
October 1944.
VB-7 operated from the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CV-19) during the period September 1944 to January 1945, and participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Note the horeshoe tail symbol, which identified the fact that the aircraft was assigned to USS Hancock.
The battle of Leyte Gulf, October 23rd thru 26th, 1944, was the decisive air and sea battle that crippled the Japanese Combined Fleet, permitted the invasion of the Philippines, and reinforced the Allies control of the Pacific.
The battle was precipitated by a U.S. amphibious assault on the central Philippine island of Leyte on October 20. The Japanese responded with Sho Go (Victory Operation), a plan to decoy the U.S. Third Fleet north, away from the San Bernardino Strait, while converging three forces on Leyte Gulf to attack the landing.
The First Attack Force was to move from the north across the Sibuyen Sea through the San Bernardino Strait, with the Second Attack Force and C Force moving from the south across the Mindanao Sea through the Surigao Strait.
As the Japanese forces moved into position southwest of Leyte, submarines of the U.S. Seventh Fleet discovered the First Attack Force and sank two heavy cruisers west of Palawan on October 23. A series of almost continuous surface and air clashes followed, especially in the Sibuyen Sea, while the U.S. Third Fleet chased the Japanese decoy. Finally, on October 25, the three major engagements of the battle were fought, almost simultaneously.
At the Surigao Strait, battleships and cruisers from the Seventh Fleet destroyed C Force and forced the Second Attack Force to withdraw. Meanwhile, the First Attack Force passed through the unguarded San Bernardino Strait and inflicted heavy damage on the Seventh Fleet escort carriers off Samar but withdrew unexpectedly just as they seemed ready to attack the landing operations. In the north, off Cape Engano, part of the Third Fleet sank Japanese carriers while another part moved south, attacking and pursuing the First Attack Force.
Curtiss SB2C-3C Helldiver
=====================================
Unit: VMSB-343. 'Gregory's Gorillas'
Serial: White 17
Midway.
November 1944.
By the time the Helldiver became available to carrier air groups, the Dauntless had already chalked up a record as the greatest ship killer of the war, while the Avenger torpedo bomber and the second generation of U.S. fighters were proving capable of successfully assuming the dive bomber role. Furthermore, while the performance statistics of the Helldiver showed it to be a distinct improvement over the Dauntless, capable of holding an impressive 78 degree dive, it was a difficult plane to fly and to maintain, and it quickly became known as the 'Beast' both for its distinctive growling engine noise and for its touchy and demanding nature.
It was claimed that its formal designation stood for 'Son of a Bitch 2nd Class.' Early SB2C aircrew allegedly sang,
My body lies under the ocean,
My body lies under the sea,
My body lies under the ocean,
Wrapped up in an SB2C.
'Jocko' Clark was so unhappy with the SB2C, allegedly because his crews had lost some aircraft whose tails fell off in flight, that he insisted on reverting to the SBD prior to his July 1943 deployment with the second Yorktown. Mitscher initially shared Clark's low opinion of the design, but changed his mind and became a champion of the Helldiver after the SB2C-3s began to reach the carrier fleet.
The -3 introduced numerous improvements, including a more powerful engine, a more efficient four-bladed propeller, and improved dive brakes. The dive brakes had numerous additional small perforations that improved air flow and reduced buffeting. The -3 also corrected many of the structural problems that had continued to plague the -1. Most SB2C crews considered the -3 a vast improvement over the -1 and it was the SB2C-3 that participated in most of the carrier operations in the western Pacific.
The performance of the SB2C, together with its powerful cannon armament, meant that the dive bomber sometimes found itself assuming the fighter role against Japanese aircraft. SB2Cs scored 44 confirmed aircraft kills, and another 14 aircraft probably destroyed, by the end of the war. In turn, 17 SB2Cs were lost in aerial combat. These modest numbers reflect the ample fighter escort that could be assigned to SB2Cs on most missions.
Curtiss A25A-15CS Shrike.
=====================================
Unit: 1 A.P.U. (Aircraft Performance Unit) RAAF
Serial: A69-4
Laverton, Victoria.
Australia.
Late 1944.
The A-25A made its first flight on Sep 29, 1942, about three months after the initial flight of the first production SB2C-1. It had the folding wings and the wing slats of the SB2C-1. Production and testing preceded rather slowly, and the first 10 production examples were not completed until Mar 1943. They were destined to be the last A-25As with folding wings. By this time, it was deemed impractical to continue the attempt to maintain standardization between the A-25A and the SB2C-1, since that was holding up both programs. It was decided to transfer the A-25A program over to an Army contract. That transition added further to delays in the A-25A program, due to problems with inspection authority, government furnished equipment, and coordination with subcontractors.
By the time that A-25A production was underway, the Army had found that it no longer had any need for dive bombers. Army pilots had not been well trained in dive-bombing techniques, and their combat experience with the A-24 (Army version of the SBD Dauntless) was less than happy. A-24 suffered heavy losses from enemy flak and could not be operated in environments in which less than complete air superiority had been established. Consequently, the A-25As that were delivered to the Army were assigned to various second-line activities such as training and target-towing, and never saw any combat. The Army initially assigned the popular name Shrike to the A-25A, as having been associated with Curtiss-built Army attack planes since the A-8/A-10 series back in the early '30s.
However, by the end of 1943, the Army adopted the Navy Helldiver. By then, the Army's A-25As had been redesignated RA-25A the R prefix for 'Restricted' not to be used in combat. Early in the A-25A program, 150 aircraft had been allocated to the Royal Australian Air Force. However, RAAF came to the same conclusion as USAAF, namely, that it really did not need dive bombers, and only 10 were actually delivered. 410 A-25As (including 140 originally intended for RAAF) were eventually turned over to the USMC for use as land-based dive bombers under the designation SB2C-1A.
Following a configuration review for the Marines, a program was set up to send the transferred planes through modification centers operated by NAF Roosevelt Field, Consolidated Vultee, and Delta Airlines. SB2C-1As were then issued to Marine Corps VMSB squadrons for operational training. By the end of 1944, all SB2C-1As had been modified and delivered. Transfer to the Navy's Operational Training Command had begun. They served with VMSB-132, -144, -234, -344, -454, -464, -474, and -484. In the autumn of 1944, the first three became VMTB squadrons and the fourth was disbanded. VMSB-454 became a VMTB squadron in the same period. The last three units were replacement training squadrons based at MCAS El Toro CA. The Navy/USMC SB2C-1As were also destined for a non-combat role, and both Army and USMC land-based Helldivers were declared surplus at an early date.
Curtiss A25A Shrike.
=====================================
Unit: 13th FS USAAF.
Serial: 41-18826
Pacific.
Late 1944.
The A-25A made its first flight on Sep 29, 1942, about three months after the initial flight of the first production SB2C-1. It had the folding wings and the wing slats of the SB2C-1. Production and testing preceded rather slowly, and the first 10 production examples were not completed until Mar 1943. They were destined to be the last A-25As with folding wings. By this time, it was deemed impractical to continue the attempt to maintain standardization between the A-25A and the SB2C-1, since that was holding up both programs. It was decided to transfer the A-25A program over to an Army contract. That transition added further to delays in the A-25A program, due to problems with inspection authority, government furnished equipment, and coordination with subcontractors.
By the time that A-25A production was underway, the Army had found that it no longer had any need for dive bombers. Army pilots had not been well trained in dive-bombing techniques, and their combat experience with the A-24 (Army version of the SBD Dauntless) was less than happy. A-24 suffered heavy losses from enemy flak and could not be operated in environments in which less than complete air superiority had been established. Consequently, the A-25As that were delivered to the Army were assigned to various second-line activities such as training and target-towing, and never saw any combat. The Army initially assigned the popular name Shrike to the A-25A, as having been associated with Curtiss-built Army attack planes since the A-8/A-10 series back in the early '30s.
However, by the end of 1943, the Army adopted the Navy Helldiver. By then, the Army's A-25As had been redesignated RA-25A the R prefix for 'Restricted' not to be used in combat. Early in the A-25A program, 150 aircraft had been allocated to the Royal Australian Air Force. However, RAAF came to the same conclusion as USAAF, namely, that it really did not need dive bombers, and only 10 were actually delivered. 410 A-25As (including 140 originally intended for RAAF) were eventually turned over to the USMC for use as land-based dive bombers under the designation SB2C-1A.
Following a configuration review for the Marines, a program was set up to send the transferred planes through modification centers operated by NAF Roosevelt Field, Consolidated Vultee, and Delta Airlines. SB2C-1As were then issued to Marine Corps VMSB squadrons for operational training. By the end of 1944, all SB2C-1As had been modified and delivered. Transfer to the Navy's Operational Training Command had begun. They served with VMSB-132, -144, -234, -344, -454, -464, -474, and -484. In the autumn of 1944, the first three became VMTB squadrons and the fourth was disbanded. VMSB-454 became a VMTB squadron in the same period. The last three units were replacement training squadrons based at MCAS El Toro CA. The Navy/USMC SB2C-1As were also destined for a non-combat role, and both Army and USMC land-based Helldivers were declared surplus at an early date.
Just a heads up that the Helldiver set by Steve Seybolt has been uploaded.
Will be available soon.
***THIS SET INCLUDES THE PREVIOUSLY RELEASED SB2C-1C AIRCRAFT, IF YOU HAVE DOWNLOADED THIS EARLIER SET SIMPLY ALLOW THIS NEW SET TO OVERWRITE THE OLD ONES****
updates to the SB2C-1C include effects, damage values to tail section.
Rami, could you please delete the original upload of the SB2C-1C.
regards Rob.
the set includes:
CFS3 oriiginal models.
Curtiss SB2C-1C Mod.III Helldiver. x 2 (US Navy)
Curtiss SB2C-3C Helldiver. x 2 (US Navy, US Marine Corps)
Curtiss A25A Shrike. x 2 (USAAF, RAAF)
Original external model is converted from an FSDS model by Wolgang Faber
Model rework by Steve (Sdsbolt) Seybolt
Textures by John (Bravo/4) Whelan
Mos File by Rob (Capt. Winters) Stevenson
XDP compilation, research by Rob (Capt. Winters) Stevenson
Help files by Rob (Capt. Winters) Stevenson
Flight Model By Ted (Nachtpiloten) Kaniuk
Weapons by AvHistory
Weapon updates by Joost (frosty).
Engine sounds by Lawdog. (see original readme in SJ_SB2C-1C_VB17_43 sound folder.)
Note: if installed into stock CFS3 it will require the following addons to be installed:
*NEK redux edition by Rick Rutherford. this will give you the extra countries required for the aircraft set.
If installed into ETO, Rising Sun or MAW addons then no extra files are required.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
Unzip to a temporary folder:
Place aircraft folders into games main aircraft folder.
Place Pylon files into games main pylon folder. (allow to overwrite if asked)
Place weapon files into games main weapon folder. (allow to overwrite if asked)
Place gun files into games main guns folder. (allow to overwrite if asked)
******NOTE ON WEAPONS********
The SB2C-3 did not carry rockets but included with the two SB2C models is an alternate xdp file that has two rocket loadouts.
If you would like to use these loadouts. you need to rename the existing aircraft xdp file (example SJ_SB2C-3_343_44_orig) and then change the name of the alternate xdp file by removing the _rockets from the end of the name. Then delete the bdp file. to go back to stock simply reverse the process.
In game player views.
Pilot Views- using F6 to cycle through:
Defualt view - Close Pilot view.
2nd view - gun sight.
3rd view - Instrument view.
4th view - Pilot Wide view.
Gunner Views using F8 to cycle through:
1st view -lower the turtleback.
the first gunners position you get to will allow you to lower the trutle back by pushing your joystick forward, then hit F8 to go to the next gunners position which is the close view and if you hit F8 again you'll get a wide view gunners position. hitting F8 again will take you back to the turtleback position were you can raise the turtleback by pulling back on the joystick ready for landing.
2nd view - Close gunner view.
3rd view - Wide gunner view.
Dive Brakes are activated and deactivared with the "D" key.
Note: the rear gunner position will remain closed while the wheels are down. once the landing gear has been retracted the rear gunner hatch will open.
Freeware Item not to be loaded onto any web site without the written permission of Steve Seybolt.
copyright 2013.
AIRCRAFT HISTORIES.
Curtiss SB2C-1C Mod.III Helldiver
=====================================
Unit: VB-8. (Bombing Eight)
Serial: White B-16
East Coast United States.
July 1943.
The first production SB2C-1 flew June 30, 1942 and in 1943 replaced the SBD Dauntless as the USN s main dive-bomber. Four years after it was first ordered there still wasnt one plane manufactured and when the planes finally started to arrive they were so poorly made that some would break in half upon landing, some would lose tail-wheels or some wings would fail in dives. The aircraft were refused by Great Britain and several other countries because of these problems and poor performance. The aircraft under went improvements, MOD II saw over 800 technical changes to each plane. After many MODS and variants the Helldiver became an effective plane and was nicknamed The Big Tail Beast referring to its over sized tail that was needed to correct control problems. Some referred to it as sum bitch second class .
This is an airplane that never would have gone into full production if WWII hadnt necessitated doing so. Even the USAAF cancelled their order and the planes that they did receive never saw battle. The captain of the Yorktown refused to sail with the Helldiver and went to sea with the Dauntless. Only after hundreds of changes and modifications did the SB2C go on to become one of the most effective dive-bombers of WWII. VB-17 was the first unit to take the new SB2C-1 MOD III into combat on board USS Bunker Hill.
VB-8 was formed on the East Coast in July 1943. The depicted markings on this aircraft date from late that year owing to the red border around the 'star and bars'. The Alpha-numeric squadron identification was used only on US-based aircraft assigned to a carrier air group, as such high visibility markings would have been a liability in combat. Bombing Eight relieved VB-17 aboard Bunker Hill in March 1944, and remained aboard until October - one of the longer SB2C deployments of the war.
Curtiss SB2C-1C Mod.III Helldiver.
=====================================
Unit: VB-17 flown from the carrier U.S.S. Bunker Hill.
Serial: White 4
Rabaul.
November 1943.
The first production SB2C-1 flew June 30, 1942 and in 1943 replaced the SBD Dauntless as the USN s main dive-bomber. Four years after it was first ordered there still wasnt one plane manufactured and when the planes finally started to arrive they were so poorly made that some would break in half upon landing, some would lose tail-wheels or some wings would fail in dives. The aircraft were refused by Great Britain and several other countries because of these problems and poor performance. The aircraft under went improvements, MOD II saw over 800 technical changes to each plane. After many MODS and variants the Helldiver became an effective plane and was nicknamed The Big Tail Beast referring to its over sized tail that was needed to correct control problems. Some referred to it as sum bitch second class .
This is an airplane that never would have gone into full production if WWII hadnt necessitated doing so. Even the USAAF cancelled their order and the planes that they did receive never saw battle. The captain of the Yorktown refused to sail with the Helldiver and went to sea with the Dauntless. Only after hundreds of changes and modifications did the SB2C go on to become one of the most effective dive-bombers of WWII. VB-17 was the first unit to take the new SB2C-1 MOD III into combat on board USS Bunker Hill.
MOD III seemed to fix the weak fuselage structure that formerly would buckle or break on landing. CO LCDR James Moe Vose was a veteran and was assigned B-4 aircraft. On November 11, 1943 as part of Task Force 38 the USS Bunker Hill was directed to strike the main Japanese base at Rabaul. This would be VB-17s first combat mission and test under fire for the Helldiver. Vose led 23 SB2C-1s and when the force arrived at Rabaul they were greeted by Zeroes. Immediately the escorting Hellcats engaged the Zeroes allowing the Helldivers to attack the Japanese ships maneuvering to avoid them. After 20 minutes it was time to return to the Bunker Hill but not before the SB2Cs damaged a cruiser and three destroyers with one destroyer being sunk. VB-17 lost 4 Helldivers that day, one crashed on take off and one was jettisoned after landing because it was so battle damaged.
Curtiss SB2C-3C Helldiver
=====================================
Unit: VB-7 flown from the carrier U.S.S. Hancock.
Serial: White 22
Leyte Gulf.
October 1944.
VB-7 operated from the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CV-19) during the period September 1944 to January 1945, and participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Note the horeshoe tail symbol, which identified the fact that the aircraft was assigned to USS Hancock.
The battle of Leyte Gulf, October 23rd thru 26th, 1944, was the decisive air and sea battle that crippled the Japanese Combined Fleet, permitted the invasion of the Philippines, and reinforced the Allies control of the Pacific.
The battle was precipitated by a U.S. amphibious assault on the central Philippine island of Leyte on October 20. The Japanese responded with Sho Go (Victory Operation), a plan to decoy the U.S. Third Fleet north, away from the San Bernardino Strait, while converging three forces on Leyte Gulf to attack the landing.
The First Attack Force was to move from the north across the Sibuyen Sea through the San Bernardino Strait, with the Second Attack Force and C Force moving from the south across the Mindanao Sea through the Surigao Strait.
As the Japanese forces moved into position southwest of Leyte, submarines of the U.S. Seventh Fleet discovered the First Attack Force and sank two heavy cruisers west of Palawan on October 23. A series of almost continuous surface and air clashes followed, especially in the Sibuyen Sea, while the U.S. Third Fleet chased the Japanese decoy. Finally, on October 25, the three major engagements of the battle were fought, almost simultaneously.
At the Surigao Strait, battleships and cruisers from the Seventh Fleet destroyed C Force and forced the Second Attack Force to withdraw. Meanwhile, the First Attack Force passed through the unguarded San Bernardino Strait and inflicted heavy damage on the Seventh Fleet escort carriers off Samar but withdrew unexpectedly just as they seemed ready to attack the landing operations. In the north, off Cape Engano, part of the Third Fleet sank Japanese carriers while another part moved south, attacking and pursuing the First Attack Force.
Curtiss SB2C-3C Helldiver
=====================================
Unit: VMSB-343. 'Gregory's Gorillas'
Serial: White 17
Midway.
November 1944.
By the time the Helldiver became available to carrier air groups, the Dauntless had already chalked up a record as the greatest ship killer of the war, while the Avenger torpedo bomber and the second generation of U.S. fighters were proving capable of successfully assuming the dive bomber role. Furthermore, while the performance statistics of the Helldiver showed it to be a distinct improvement over the Dauntless, capable of holding an impressive 78 degree dive, it was a difficult plane to fly and to maintain, and it quickly became known as the 'Beast' both for its distinctive growling engine noise and for its touchy and demanding nature.
It was claimed that its formal designation stood for 'Son of a Bitch 2nd Class.' Early SB2C aircrew allegedly sang,
My body lies under the ocean,
My body lies under the sea,
My body lies under the ocean,
Wrapped up in an SB2C.
'Jocko' Clark was so unhappy with the SB2C, allegedly because his crews had lost some aircraft whose tails fell off in flight, that he insisted on reverting to the SBD prior to his July 1943 deployment with the second Yorktown. Mitscher initially shared Clark's low opinion of the design, but changed his mind and became a champion of the Helldiver after the SB2C-3s began to reach the carrier fleet.
The -3 introduced numerous improvements, including a more powerful engine, a more efficient four-bladed propeller, and improved dive brakes. The dive brakes had numerous additional small perforations that improved air flow and reduced buffeting. The -3 also corrected many of the structural problems that had continued to plague the -1. Most SB2C crews considered the -3 a vast improvement over the -1 and it was the SB2C-3 that participated in most of the carrier operations in the western Pacific.
The performance of the SB2C, together with its powerful cannon armament, meant that the dive bomber sometimes found itself assuming the fighter role against Japanese aircraft. SB2Cs scored 44 confirmed aircraft kills, and another 14 aircraft probably destroyed, by the end of the war. In turn, 17 SB2Cs were lost in aerial combat. These modest numbers reflect the ample fighter escort that could be assigned to SB2Cs on most missions.
Curtiss A25A-15CS Shrike.
=====================================
Unit: 1 A.P.U. (Aircraft Performance Unit) RAAF
Serial: A69-4
Laverton, Victoria.
Australia.
Late 1944.
The A-25A made its first flight on Sep 29, 1942, about three months after the initial flight of the first production SB2C-1. It had the folding wings and the wing slats of the SB2C-1. Production and testing preceded rather slowly, and the first 10 production examples were not completed until Mar 1943. They were destined to be the last A-25As with folding wings. By this time, it was deemed impractical to continue the attempt to maintain standardization between the A-25A and the SB2C-1, since that was holding up both programs. It was decided to transfer the A-25A program over to an Army contract. That transition added further to delays in the A-25A program, due to problems with inspection authority, government furnished equipment, and coordination with subcontractors.
By the time that A-25A production was underway, the Army had found that it no longer had any need for dive bombers. Army pilots had not been well trained in dive-bombing techniques, and their combat experience with the A-24 (Army version of the SBD Dauntless) was less than happy. A-24 suffered heavy losses from enemy flak and could not be operated in environments in which less than complete air superiority had been established. Consequently, the A-25As that were delivered to the Army were assigned to various second-line activities such as training and target-towing, and never saw any combat. The Army initially assigned the popular name Shrike to the A-25A, as having been associated with Curtiss-built Army attack planes since the A-8/A-10 series back in the early '30s.
However, by the end of 1943, the Army adopted the Navy Helldiver. By then, the Army's A-25As had been redesignated RA-25A the R prefix for 'Restricted' not to be used in combat. Early in the A-25A program, 150 aircraft had been allocated to the Royal Australian Air Force. However, RAAF came to the same conclusion as USAAF, namely, that it really did not need dive bombers, and only 10 were actually delivered. 410 A-25As (including 140 originally intended for RAAF) were eventually turned over to the USMC for use as land-based dive bombers under the designation SB2C-1A.
Following a configuration review for the Marines, a program was set up to send the transferred planes through modification centers operated by NAF Roosevelt Field, Consolidated Vultee, and Delta Airlines. SB2C-1As were then issued to Marine Corps VMSB squadrons for operational training. By the end of 1944, all SB2C-1As had been modified and delivered. Transfer to the Navy's Operational Training Command had begun. They served with VMSB-132, -144, -234, -344, -454, -464, -474, and -484. In the autumn of 1944, the first three became VMTB squadrons and the fourth was disbanded. VMSB-454 became a VMTB squadron in the same period. The last three units were replacement training squadrons based at MCAS El Toro CA. The Navy/USMC SB2C-1As were also destined for a non-combat role, and both Army and USMC land-based Helldivers were declared surplus at an early date.
Curtiss A25A Shrike.
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Unit: 13th FS USAAF.
Serial: 41-18826
Pacific.
Late 1944.
The A-25A made its first flight on Sep 29, 1942, about three months after the initial flight of the first production SB2C-1. It had the folding wings and the wing slats of the SB2C-1. Production and testing preceded rather slowly, and the first 10 production examples were not completed until Mar 1943. They were destined to be the last A-25As with folding wings. By this time, it was deemed impractical to continue the attempt to maintain standardization between the A-25A and the SB2C-1, since that was holding up both programs. It was decided to transfer the A-25A program over to an Army contract. That transition added further to delays in the A-25A program, due to problems with inspection authority, government furnished equipment, and coordination with subcontractors.
By the time that A-25A production was underway, the Army had found that it no longer had any need for dive bombers. Army pilots had not been well trained in dive-bombing techniques, and their combat experience with the A-24 (Army version of the SBD Dauntless) was less than happy. A-24 suffered heavy losses from enemy flak and could not be operated in environments in which less than complete air superiority had been established. Consequently, the A-25As that were delivered to the Army were assigned to various second-line activities such as training and target-towing, and never saw any combat. The Army initially assigned the popular name Shrike to the A-25A, as having been associated with Curtiss-built Army attack planes since the A-8/A-10 series back in the early '30s.
However, by the end of 1943, the Army adopted the Navy Helldiver. By then, the Army's A-25As had been redesignated RA-25A the R prefix for 'Restricted' not to be used in combat. Early in the A-25A program, 150 aircraft had been allocated to the Royal Australian Air Force. However, RAAF came to the same conclusion as USAAF, namely, that it really did not need dive bombers, and only 10 were actually delivered. 410 A-25As (including 140 originally intended for RAAF) were eventually turned over to the USMC for use as land-based dive bombers under the designation SB2C-1A.
Following a configuration review for the Marines, a program was set up to send the transferred planes through modification centers operated by NAF Roosevelt Field, Consolidated Vultee, and Delta Airlines. SB2C-1As were then issued to Marine Corps VMSB squadrons for operational training. By the end of 1944, all SB2C-1As had been modified and delivered. Transfer to the Navy's Operational Training Command had begun. They served with VMSB-132, -144, -234, -344, -454, -464, -474, and -484. In the autumn of 1944, the first three became VMTB squadrons and the fourth was disbanded. VMSB-454 became a VMTB squadron in the same period. The last three units were replacement training squadrons based at MCAS El Toro CA. The Navy/USMC SB2C-1As were also destined for a non-combat role, and both Army and USMC land-based Helldivers were declared surplus at an early date.
I remember my older brother had a beautiful 1:32 scale model of this back in the late 60s or early 70s. It is somehow lodged in my subconscious as an architypal US WWII aircraft.
THANK YOU :ernae:THANK YOU
