SBD Dauntless

The Douglas SBD Dauntless was a World War II American naval scout plane and dive bomber that was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft from 1940 through 1944. The SBD (“Scout Bomber Douglas”) was the United States Navy’s main carrier-borne scout plane and dive bomber from mid-1940 through mid-1944. The SBD was also flown by the United States Marine Corps, both from land air bases and aircraft carriers. The SBD is best remembered as the bomber that delivered the fatal blows to the Japanese carriers at the Battle of Midway in June 1942. The type earned its nickname “Slow But Deadly” (with the SBD initials) during this period.

• Tactic

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• Pros & Cons
  • Pros
    • Tail gunner
    • Light and slow, easy for new pilot
    • Acceptable durability
    • Good bomb load
    • Carrier take-off & landing
    • Nose-mounted gun
  • Cons
    • Slow flight speed
• Engine
  • Default:  R-1820-60 Radial Engine (1,200 hp)
  • Upgrade: R-1820-62 Radial Engine (1,350 hp)
• Armament
  • Default:
    • 2 x .50 cal maching guns
    • 2 x 100 lb bombs
  • Upgrade 1:
    • 2 x 250 lb bombs
  • Upgrade 2:
    • 2 x 100 lb bombs
    • 1 x 500 lb bomb
  • Upgrade 3:
    • 2 x 250 lb bombs
    • 1 x 500 lb bomb
• Stats
  • Max speed: 255 mph (222 knots, 410 km/h)
  • Max dive speed: N/A
  • Durability: 800
  • Internal fuel capacity: 310 US gallons (1173 litres)
  • External fuel capacity: N/A
  • Empty weight: 6,404 lb (2,905 kg)
  • Wing area: 325 ft² (30.19 m²)