Category Archives: Bomber – Naval

Nakajima B5N2 Kate

One of Japan’s modern types that shook the Western World at the start of the Pacific War. Let’s take a look at a particularly significant example.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, Japan | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

Douglass TBD-1 Devastator

John C Waldron The Devastator is best known for the sacrifice of it’s crews at the Battle of Midway. In particular, Torpedo 8 which lost all of their aircraft and most of their personnel in one attack. Let’s look at … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Naval, USA | 15 Comments

Grumman TBF-1 Avenger

The US Navy’s upset victory at Midway is well known, a hard won American triumph. Let’s take a look at a part of the cost of that victory.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, USA | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

Douglass SBD-5 Dauntless

Even after retirement from fleet carriers the SBD continued to provide service to the end of the War. Let’s take a look at an example in Marine service in the later phase of the type’s career.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, USA | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Vought SB2U-3 Vindicator

This dive bomber was one of the first generation monoplanes in Navy service and was thoroughly obsolete at the outbreak of World War II in the Pacific.  Yet a small number served in Marine squadrons until the Battle of Midway. … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Naval, USA | Tagged , , | 24 Comments

Aichi M6A

This sleek looking float-plane just missed combat in World War II and was part of a unique operation. After the jump, a look at a particularly intriguing “what if”.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, Japan | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Douglass SBD-3 Dauntless

In November of 1942 US and British forces invaded Vichy French held areas of North Africa to trap Italian and German forces. After the jump, a brief look at this early amphibious operation and one aircraft that provided support.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, USA | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver

A troubled design that did ultimately prove effective, the Curtiss Helldiver was the last dedicated Dive Bomber to see service with the US Navy. Join me for a brief look at an interesting bit of naval history.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, USA | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

Aichi D3A1 Val

The main Japanese Dive Bomber at the start of World War II, the Aichi D3A was a key part of the terrifyingly effective Japanese carrier force. After the jump, a look at this very important aircraft.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, Japan | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Savoia Marchetti SM.79-II

There’s a persistent myth about Italy not fielding any effective aircraft in World War II. But that really isn’t true on any level. After the jump, a quick look at a very capable torpedo bomber that sank many British warships during the … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Naval, Italy | Tagged , , | 12 Comments