Crewmen are loading a bomb on an SBD-5
The SBD Dauntless and A-24 Banshee aircraft were equipped with bomb carriage and release systems designed for both dive bombing and conventional attack roles. These systems utilized three primary attachment points: one centerline and two wing pylons.
Bomb Carriage Points
- Centerline Pylon
- Model: Mk 51-7
- Function: In dive bombing roles, the bomb was attached to bomb-displacing gear, which swung the bomb clear of the propeller arc to prevent collision during release.
- Wing Pylons
- Model: Mk 50-1
- Attachment Point: Bolted onto Rib 2 in each wing, located close to the wing break.
- Function: These electrically operated pylons carried bombs on a single lug each.
Alternative Bomb Racks
- Mk 43 and Mk 47 Bomb Racks
- Usage: Replaced the Mk 50-1 for practice bombs.
- Differences:
- Mk 43: Manual operation.
- Mk 47: Electrically operated.
- Practice Bombs: Designed to carry AN-Mk 5-3 practice bombs.
Bomb Release Mechanisms
- Electrical Release
- Operation: Bombs could be released with nose fuses, tail fuses, or both.
- Arming: Fuses were locked and fully armed upon bomb selection.
- Control: Bomb selection was made via a bomb master switch and a single switch per bomb.
- Release Options: Bombs could be released individually or as a salvo.
- Manual Release
- Operation: A lever on the port side of the cockpit console allowed the pilot to manually arm either nose or tail fuses.
- Control: The manual release was performed using a release button on the control column, similar to the electrical release.
Smoke Screen Capability
- Smoke Tank Models: Mk 5-2 or Mk 5-3
- Carriage: The center pylon could carry the smoke tank.
- Operation: A CO2 canister in the gunner’s compartment pressurized the smoke tank, forcing out the chemical gases to create a smoke screen.
The bomb carriage and release systems of the SBD Dauntless and A-24 Banshee were versatile, allowing for both combat and training operations. The centerline and wing pylons, along with the option to release bombs either electrically or manually, provided flexibility for various mission requirements. Additionally, the ability to lay a smoke screen added another tactical dimension to the aircraft’s capabilities.