TB2D Skypirate

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

TB2D Skypirate
XTB2D-1 prototype
Type Torpedo bomber
Manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company
Maiden flight 1945
Status Cancelled
Number built 2

The Douglas TB2D Skypirate (also known as the Devastator II) was a torpedo bomber intended for service with the United States Navy's Midway class aircraft carriers; they were too large for earlier decks. Two prototypes were completed, but the dedicated torpedo bomber was becoming an outdated concept and with the end of World War II the type was no longer needed, so the project was cancelled.

The TB2D was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major driving contra-rotating propellers. Four torpedoes could be carried on underwing pylons, or an equivalent bomb load. Defensive armament consisted of two 20 mm cannon in the wings and .50 cal (12.7 mm) machineguns.

Very large for a single-engined aircraft, the TB2D would have been the largest piston-engined carrierborne plane at the time if it had been deployed. It could carry four times the weapon load of the TBF Avenger and was larger, heavier and faster than a B-25 Mitchell bomber.

[edit] Specifications (TB2D Skypirate)

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

  • 2x 20 mm cannon
  • .50 cal (12.7 mm) machine guns
  • Up to 8,000 lb (3,639 kg) of bombs or four torpedoes

[edit] Related content

Comparable aircraft

Related lists


In other languages