The SB2C Helldiver was commonly referred to as “The Beast” because of its size and
rather poor handling characteristics. Even with new variants and upgrades the Helldiver
never received the credit and respect it deserved. The most produced variant was the
“4” with the SB2C-4E equipped with an AN/APS-4 radar pod mounted under the
starboard wing for air search. It flew faster and further than the Avenger, except for
range it beat the SBD in every category. Its cruising speed was only 2 mph slower than
the famous Hellcat.

On February 16-17 1945 Air Group 12 began attacks against mainland Japan. VB-12
with its 22 SB2Cs operating from the USS Randolph was part of the assaults on Tokyo
and surrounding airfields and engine plants. Over the following week strikes would be
made in support of the landing at Iwo Jima and the advance in land. On February 25,
1945 USS Randolph left the area and sailed for Ulithi. VB-12 had one of the most
distinctive aircraft marking schemes in the PTO with the bold white striped tail and white
ailerons as well as the aircraft number being placed just back of the engine cowling.
During this time period a 3-digit aircraft numbering system was in use but VB-12 kept the
2-digit system.

Specifications for the Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver

First flight – 18/12/1940

Crew – 2 X Pilot and Radio Operator/Gunner

Dimensions
Length – 36.7ft   (11.18m)
Wingspan – 49.7ft   (15.16m)
Height – 13.2ft   (4.01m)

Performance
Engine – 1 X Wright R-2600-2- Cyclone / 1900hp   (1,417kW)
Speed – Cruise / 158mph   (254km/h)   (137kts)
Maximum Speed – 295mph   (475km/h)   (256kts)
Rate Of Climb – 1,800ft/min   (548m/min)
Service Ceiling – 29,100ft   (8,869m)
Range – 1,165miles   (1,876km)

Weight
Empty – 1,057lbs   (7535kg)
Maximum Take Off – 16,616lbs   (7,537kg)

Armament
2 X 20mm fixed wing cannon or 4 X 0.50 caliber fixed wing machine guns
2 X 0.30 caliber rear cockpit machine guns or 1 X 0.50 caliber flexible rear cockpit
machine gun
Bomb Load- 1 X torpedo or 1,000 pounds of bombs in the bay or 4 X depth charges
Also capable of carry an additional 1,000 pounds of bombs or 8 X 5inch rockets under
the wings.

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