Description

In spite of attempts to improve its performance, the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver retained an unenviable reputation for unpleasant flying characteristics near to the stall. Nicknamed “The Beast”, more aircraft were lost in deck landing accidents than to enemy action. Nevertheless the Helldiver was responsible for the destruction of more Japanese targets than any other dive-bomber. In contrast, the principal US Navy fighter, the Grumman Hellcat F6F retained docile handling qualities around the carrier deck. Yet the speed, range and firepower of the LockheadP-38 Lightning made it the favourite mount of aircrew in the Pacific from 1942 until the end of the war.