Google Earth Community: Grumman TBF (GM

Grumman TBF (GM - TBM) Avenger

This lumbering hulk was the heaviest single-engine plane in the arsenal of the WWII USA if not the world and uncharacteristically for a single-engine plane had a crew of three (Pilot, Torpedo Bombardier /Observer, Machine Gunner). The TBF Avenger was the next-to-last (a small production run [180] of the Consolidated / Vought TBY Sea Wolfwould follow) of the TB- designated (Torpedo Bomber)single-role aircraft. Later aircraft engaged in the torpedo-dropping business would be multi-role A- or AF- designated notably the A-4 Skyhawk and A-6 Intruder. The Avenger' came in close to 40 different flavors and were notably manufactured by its designer (TBF) and sub-contractor General Motors(TBM). These aircraft were the notable exception from the rush to jets after WWII that led to the speedy retirement of most prop-driven fighters, and saw carrier-deployment into the 1960's

The one seen here is a GM made TBM in late-war-colors. As Torpedo Bombers were extremely vulnerable to AA-fire and fighter craft - they had to streak towards their target in a straight line for quite a long run at very low altitute to line-up the torpedo - early birds had a camo paint of sea-blue tops and light-gray/blue bottom meeting at a literally 'wavy' line to simulate the ocean surface. However, the Navy later decided a better camo was sea-blue top surfaces, light-blue vertical surfaces and light-gray under-surfaces (seen here) If not necessaryly the best, but certainly the best-known TBM pilot was Prexi #41 George H.Walker Bush.

From Wikipedia:
The Grumman TBF Avenger (designated TBM for aircraft manufactured by General Motors) was a torpedo bomber developed initially for the United States Navy and Marine Corps,and eventually used by several air or naval arms around the world. It entered U.S. service in 1942, and first saw action during the Battle of Midway.

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Click here for full TBF Avenger article from Wikipedia (english)
Hier klicken für den Artikel zum TBF Avenger aus der deutschen Wikipedia.

Click here full-size image.

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Edited by legalalien (07/05/08 06:59 PM)