Bandai
Plastic model kit for Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless carrier-based aircraft
The SBD-3 was an all-metal, two-seat aircraft featuring fixed landing gear and distinctive perforated dive brakes beneath the wings. It was powered by an air-cooled Wright R-1820-52 Cyclone radial engine producing approximately 1,000 hp. Its top speed was around 410 km/h.
Its primary armament consisted of two 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns in the forward fuselage and two 7.62 mm machine guns for the rear crew position. However, its most important weapon was its bomb load. A 1,000 lb (454 kg) bomb could be carried under the fuselage; during a dive, this was swung forward and downward via a special trapeze mechanism. Additionally, smaller bombs could be carried under the wings.
The Dauntless's particular strength lay in precision dive-bombing attacks. With dive brakes extended, the aircraft could approach the target at a near-vertical angle, allowing the pilot to release the bomb with great accuracy. The perforated dive brakes prevented the SBD from accelerating excessively during a dive.
The Dauntless faced its most famous test during the Battle of Midway in June 1942. While American TBD Devastator torpedo bombers suffered heavy losses, SBD squadrons managed to launch a surprise attack on the Japanese aircraft carriers. Within a short time, several Japanese carriers were severely damaged or sunk. The Dauntless thus played a decisive role in the American victory and is considered one of the most important combat aircraft of that battle.
The SBD also proved to be a highly effective dive-bomber at Guadalcanal, in the Coral Sea, and during numerous other operations in the Pacific. Its relatively low speed was offset by excellent dive characteristics, robust construction, and high bombing accuracy.
The SBD-3 Dauntless was therefore not a particularly fast aircraft, but it was an extremely effective weapon system. Its combination of precise dive-bombing capabilities, good armament, long range, and high durability made it one of the most successful American carrier-based aircraft of World War II.
- Scale: 1:700
- 16 aircraft made of clear plastic
- Dimensions (assembled): Length 14.3 mm / Wingspan 18.1 mm
- 90 parts
- Decals included
- Unassembled and unpainted
- Paint and glue not included
The SBD-3 was an all-metal, two-seat aircraft featuring fixed landing gear and distinctive perforated dive brakes beneath the wings. It was powered by an air-cooled Wright R-1820-52 Cyclone radial engine producing approximately 1,000 hp. Its top speed was around 410 km/h.
Its primary armament consisted of two 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns in the forward fuselage and two 7.62 mm machine guns for the rear crew position. However, its most important weapon was its bomb load. A 1,000 lb (454 kg) bomb could be carried under the fuselage; during a dive, this was swung forward and downward via a special trapeze mechanism. Additionally, smaller bombs could be carried under the wings.
The Dauntless's particular strength lay in precision dive-bombing attacks. With dive brakes extended, the aircraft could approach the target at a near-vertical angle, allowing the pilot to release the bomb with great accuracy. The perforated dive brakes prevented the SBD from accelerating excessively during a dive.
The Dauntless faced its most famous test during the Battle of Midway in June 1942. While American TBD Devastator torpedo bombers suffered heavy losses, SBD squadrons managed to launch a surprise attack on the Japanese aircraft carriers. Within a short time, several Japanese carriers were severely damaged or sunk. The Dauntless thus played a decisive role in the American victory and is considered one of the most important combat aircraft of that battle.
The SBD also proved to be a highly effective dive-bomber at Guadalcanal, in the Coral Sea, and during numerous other operations in the Pacific. Its relatively low speed was offset by excellent dive characteristics, robust construction, and high bombing accuracy.
The SBD-3 Dauntless was therefore not a particularly fast aircraft, but it was an extremely effective weapon system. Its combination of precise dive-bombing capabilities, good armament, long range, and high durability made it one of the most successful American carrier-based aircraft of World War II.
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