SB2C Specifications
Manufacturer
Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Type
Navy Dive Bomber
Engine
Wright R-2600 Cyclone (1900HP @ takeoff power)
Wing Span
49 Feet 9 Inches
Length
36 Feet 9 Inches
Height
14 Feet 9 Inches
Gross Weight
13,674 Pounds
Max Takeoff Weight
16,800 Pounds
Empty Weight
10,114 Pounds
Max. Speed
294 MPH
Normal Cruise Speed
Approximately 195 MPH
Rate of Climb
1,750 Ft/min
Ceiling
25,000 Feet
Range
1,200 Miles
Crew
2 (pilot, radio operator/gunner)
Armament
2X20 MM Cannons with 800 rounds per gun and 2X.30 Caliber Machine Guns with 2,000 rounds per gun
Disposable Ordnance
Internal bomb bay – up 2000 lbs of bombs, depth charges or a Mk 13-2 torpedo and two under-wing hard points – up to 500 lbs each of bombs, depth charges or unguided rockets
The Helldiver’s performance has been maligned by many critics, frequently without regard to the facts. Some comparisons to other Navy aircraft are enlightening. The SB2C-4 had a higher cruising speed and greater range (without drop tanks) than the TBM Avenger, and a significantly higher top speed. It easily outperformed the SBD Dauntless in every category except range. Its cruising speed was only two mph slower than the F6F Hellcat. Only the F4U Corsair, among contemporary carrier-based aircraft, had a significantly superior speed. The Corsair could carry the same load as the Helldiver but over a much shorter range. Of aircraft designed in the same, immediate pre-war period, only the Corsair outlasted it in front-line Navy service.
