TB2D Skypirate

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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 Two prototypes were completed, but the dedicated torpedo bomber was becoming an outdated concept and with the end of World War II the type was no longer needed, so the project was cancelled.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

• Crew: 3
• Length: 46 ft 0 in (14.02 m)
• Wingspan: 70 ft 0 in (21.34 m)
• Height: ()
• Empty weight: 18,400 lb (8,350 kg)
• Loaded weight: 28,545 lb (12,947 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 34,760 lb (15,767 kg)
• Powerplant: 1× Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major radial engine, 3,350 hp (2,500 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 340 mph (546 km/h)
• Range: 1,250 mi (2,013 km)
• Service ceiling: 28,000 ft (8,500 m)

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

• TBF Avenger

Related lists

• List of military aircraft of the United States