Douglas SBD Dauntless
Technical Information

Background
During World War II, the SBD Dauntless was used by the U.S. Navy (USN) and U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). This dive bomber had slotted dive brakes that could be opened in the trailing edge of the wings to slow down the rate of descent on targets. During the Battle of Midway, the Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers were credited with the sinking of four Japanese aircraft carriers.

A-24 Dive Bomber
The U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) also used a version of the Douglas SBD, known as the A-24. This version was nearly identical to the US Navy SBD Dauntless, but had a few minor alterations, including an inflated rear tire and no tail hook. In Army service, the A-24 was not as successful, and only used to a limited capacity in the Pacific, operated by the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 27th Bombardment Group (27th BG) and 3rd Bombardment Group (3rd BG) in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) and the 7th AF in the Central Pacific, and 11th AF in Alaska.

Technical Details
Crew Two (pilot, radio/rear gunner)
Engine 1 x Wright R-1820-32 radial engine driving three bladed propeller
Span  32'
Length  32' 1"
Height  13' 7"
Maximum Speed  256 mph
Range  1,225 miles
Armament  (nose) 2 x .50 cal machine guns (rear) 2 x .30 cal machine guns
Bomb Load  (centerline) single aerial bomb up to 1,600 pounds (under wings) one under each wing up to 650 pounds