Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
Technical Information

Background
The Curtiss Helldiver, despite a reputation for being difficult to handle at low speeds, was responsible for the destruction of more Japanese targets than any other type of aircraft. The Helldiver joined the Douglas SBD Dauntless as the primary attack/bombing planes for the U.S. Navy (USN). The plane was so valuable in the Pacific theater that the Navy accepted nearly every plane produced.

Wartime History
In late 1943, the Curtiss SB2C single-engine dive-bomber entred service with the U.S. Navy fleet. On November 11, 1943 the Helldiver flew its first combat mission over Rabaul.

A-25 Helldiver
The A-25 was the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) designation for the Helldiver.

Curtiss Helldiver I
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 other countries.

Production
Approximately 7,000 were built during World War II.

Technical Details
Crew  Two (pilot, gunner)
Engine  Pratt & Whitney R-1535-94 Twin Wasp Junior
Span  49ft. 9in
Length  36ft. 8in
Height  13ft 2in
Maximum Speed  295 mph
Range  1,165 miles
Armament  (wings) 2 x 20mm (rear) 2 x 30 caliber machine guns
Bombload  (internal) 2,000 lb of bombs or torpedo (external) 500 lbs bomb under each wing