Douglas TBD Devastator
Technical Information

Background
Delivered to the US Navy in 1937, the Devastator was the most advanced torpedo bomber in the world when it was built, but by the start of the Pacific War, was obsolete compaired to the Japanese Kate and the fighter opposition it encountered from A6M2 Zeros.

An infamous loss happened when all 35 Devastators sent against the Japanese at the battle of Midway were shot down without hitting their targets. Its replacement, the TBF Avenger was coming on line at that time, and soon all Devastators were withdrawn from front-line service.

Production
A total of 129 Devastators were built.

Technical Details
Crew  2-3 (pilot, observer, gunner)
Engine  1 x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-64 Twin Wasp radial engine, 900 hp (671 kW)
Span  50'
Length  35'
Height  15' 1"
Max Speed  206 mph
Range  (with torpedo) 435 miles (with bombs) 716 miles
Armament  (nose) 1x .50 caliber or 30 caliber machine gun (rear) 1 or 2 x 30 caliber machine gun
Bomb load  torpedo or 1,000 lbs bomb