SB2C Helldiver

For the biplane Curtiss Helldiver, please see SBC Helldiver.

Related Topics:
Biplane - SBC Helldiver

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The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was an aircraft carrier-based dive bomber produced for the United States Navy during World War II. It replaced the Douglas SBD Dauntless in US Navy service, and was initially strongly disliked by aircrews because it was much bigger and heavier than the SBD, and had a shorter range. Opinions soon changed, however, and the SB2C sank more enemy shipping in the Pacific war than any other US or Allied aircraft. Despite its size, the SB2C was as fast as a fighter; only the Vought F4U Corsair could significantly outperform it.

Related Topics:
Curtiss - Aircraft carrier - Dive bomber - United States Navy - World War II - Douglas - SBD Dauntless - F4U Corsair

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Crew nicknames for the aircraft included the Big-Tailed Beast (or just Beast) and Son-of-a-Bitch 2nd Class (after its designation).

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The first prototype flew in December 1940 but a large number of modifications and changes meant that it did not enter combat until 11 November, 1943 when they attacked the Japanese-held port of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea.

Related Topics:
1940 - 11 November - 1943 - Rabaul - Papua New Guinea

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A few aircraft were acquired by the USAAF under the designation A-25.

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A total of 26 aircraft (out of 450 ordered) were delivered to the British Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, where they were known as the Curtiss Helldiver I. Postwar, surplus aircraft were sold to the navies of France, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Thailand.

Related Topics:
Royal Navy - Fleet Air Arm - France - Italy - Greece - Portugal - Thailand

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One SB2C Helldiver is still flying. Owned by the Commemorative Air Force, this late-production SB2C-5 built in 1945 is based in Graham, Texas and makes frequent airshow appearances. In 1982 it experienced engine failure and a hard emergency landing that caused extensive damage; volunteers of the CAF put in thousands of man-hours and in excess of $200,000 to restore the aircraft to flying condition once more.

Related Topics:
Commemorative Air Force - 1945 - Graham, Texas - Airshow - 1982

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