SB2C

The SB2C Helldiver was a carrier-based dive bomber developed for the United States Navy by Curtiss-Wright in the early 1940s. Intended as a successor to the SBD Dauntless, it entered service in 1943 and saw extensive action in the Pacific Theater during World War II, where it performed dive bombing, level bombing, and close air support missions.

Design and configuration: the Helldiver featured a two-man crew, a tricycle landing gear arrangement, and a large, radial engine. It was designed for dive bombing with automatic dive brakes and aimed to deliver heavy ordnance, including bombs, torpedoes, or depth charges. The rear crew position provided navigation and defense, typically mounting a flexible machine gun for protection. The aircraft was heavier and more complex than its predecessor, reflecting an emphasis on higher payload and longer range.

Development issues and improvements: early SB2C models faced criticism for reliability problems, difficult handling, and obstructed downward visibility from the cockpit. Production delays and performance concerns contributed to a rocky start compared with the proven SBD Dauntless. Later variants, particularly the SB2C-4 and SB2C-5, incorporated improvements in engine power, airframe reliability, and survivability, helping to stabilize operations and expand its role.

Operational history: despite initial difficulties, the Helldiver became a workhorse of naval aviation in 1944–1945. It supported major Pacific campaigns, including island assaults and fleet engagements, and continued in service with the Navy and Marine Corps into the late 1940s before being superseded by postwar attack aircraft.

Variants and operators: several variants were produced, with designations such as SB2C-1, -1C, -4, and -5. The primary operators were the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps.