Carrier planes could not hope to carry the same bomb load as shore-based aircraft, so they needed to be able to deliver each bomb as accurately as possible. With the commissioning of the first carrier, the USS Langley, the Navy realized there would be limitations to the size of aircraft used at sea. United States Marine Corps pilots had experimented with the technique as early as 1919 although it was not known by that name at the time. Navy experience with dive bombing went back to the early years of naval aviation. war effort in the Pacific, almost single-handedly sinking six enemy carriers. During 1942, SBDs were the primary weapon in the U.S. Serving throughout the war, Dauntlesses would sink more than 300,000 tons of enemy shipping, including at least 18 warships, ranging from submarines to battleships. Although considered obsolete and scheduled for replacement before the war began, the SBD would live up to the nickname given to it by its crews - Slow But Deadly (a play on its official designation). Long Description The Douglas SBD Dauntless played one of the most significant roles in the course of World War II. This SBD-6 carries the markings of VS-51 (Navy scout squadron), which operated in the Pacific during World War II. The SBD-6 was the last production model, with 450 built. England, New Zealand, and France also used SBDs. Subsequent models were sent to Navy squadrons, with each succeeding model carrying such improvements as increased fuel capacity, illuminated gunsights, and armor plates for the crew.

Production orders were placed in April 1939, with all SBD-1s going to U.S. The SBD's design was based on the Northrop BT-1, but with engine and structural changes. On June 4, 1942, during the Battle of Midway, SBDs destroyed four Japanese carriers, dramatically altering the course of the war. It played a major role throughout the Pacific.

Wing Span 16.51 meters (650 in.), Length 12.42 meters (489 in.), Height 4.19 meters (165 in.), Weight 4,788 kg (10,556 lb) Summary The Douglas SBD Dauntless was one of the truly great aircraft of World War II. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics number '54605' and 'SBD-4' in white. Object Details Manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company Physical Description Single engine, low wing, carrier based scout/dive bomber.Both sides of fuselage: '109,' U. Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, African Art.

Douglas dauntless