Grumman TBF-1 Avenger Type: Torpedo Bomber Crew: 3 (pilot, bomb-aimer, radio operator/gunner) Armament: two wing-mounted .50 cal machine guns one .50 cal machine gun in dorsal turret one .30 cal machine gun in ventral position up to 2000 lbs. of weapons (bombs/torpedo) Specifications: Length: 40' 11" (12.47 m) Height: 16' 5" (5.00 m) Wignspan: 54' 2" (16.51 m) Wingarea: 490.02 sq. ft (45.52 sq. m) Empty Weight: 10545 lb (4782 kg) Gross Weight: 17893 lb (8115 kg) Max Weight: 17895 lb (8115 kg) Propulsion: No. of Engines: 1 Powerplant: Wright R-2600-20 Horsepower: 1900 hp Performance: Range: 1010 miles (1626 km) Cruise Speed: 147 mph ( 236 km/h) Max Speed: 276 mph ( 444 km/h) Climb: 2060 ft/s ( 627.86 m/s) Ceiling: 30100 ft (9174.00M)
The Avenger replaced the TBD Devastator as the torpedo plane used by the U.S. Navy. It saw it's first combat at the battle of Midway, but it wasn't until later battles that it made it's mark in history. It featured a long internal torpedo bay that could also carry large bombs, and later in the war Avengers fired rockets from underwing mounts at ground and ship targets. Its most characteristic feature was a revolvable gun turret with a .50 caliber machine gun that that was operated by the rear gunner. Eventually the Avenger came into its own, despite being hampered by the poor quality of U.S. torpedoes during most of the war. Many Avengers were manufactured by General Motors Eastern Aircraft Division under the designation TBM Avenger.
