TBF Avenger part 1

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a pair of depth bombs are installed behind the anti-submarine torpedo „Fido” – USS Manila Bay February 1944

a pair of depth bombs are installed behind the anti-submarine torpedo "Fido" - USS Manila Bay February 1944

A pair of depth bombs are installed behind the Fido USS Manila Bay February 1944

A pair of depth bombs are installed behind the Mark 24 acoustic torpedo "Fido" - USS Manila Bay February 1944

Airmen Buried at Sea in TBF Avenger from Deck of Carrier

Airmen Buried at Sea in TBF from Deck of Carrier

TBF Avenger 22 on deck of carrier USS Anzio CVE-57 during a typhoon east of the Philippines 17 December 1944

Avenger #22 on deck of carrier USS Anzio during a typhoon east of the Philippines 17 December 1944

TBF Avenger during bombing raid on Marcus Island 1943

Avenger during bombing raid on Marcus Island 1943

British Avenger landed in the sea off Okinawa

Avenger landed in the sea off Okinawa

Avenger of 846 Squadron FAA being catapulted off HMS TRUMPETER

Avenger of 846 Squadron FAA being catapulted off HMS TRUMPETER

TBF Avenger on deck of carrier moving thru heavy seas

Avenger on deck of carrier moving thru heavy seas

Avenger on deck of escort carrier USS Sargent Bay CVE-83

Avenger on deck of escort carrier USS Sargent Bay CVE-83

Avengers of VT-4 return to USS Essex after strike on Saigon 1945

Avengers of VT-4 return to USS Essex after strike on Saigon 1945

Avengers on deck of carrier USS Independence (CVL-22) 1944

Avengers on deck of carrier USS Independence (CVL-22) 1944

Avengers prepare to take off from USS Monterey to attack targets on Tinian June 1944

Avengers prepare to take off from USS Monterey CVL-26 to attack targets on Tinian June 1944

Aviation ordnancemen service .50 caliber (12,7 mm) machine guns

Aviation ordnancemen service .50 caliber machine guns

British Avenger C2Y FN795 of No 785 Squadron at Crail FAA Station

British Avenger C2Y FN795 of No 785 Squadron at Crail FAA Station

British Avenger/Tarpon code 4Q at Hatston 2

British Avenger/Tarpon code 4Q at Hatston 2

British Avengers Mk I 4M FN908, 4F and 4D of No. 846 Squadron FAA

British Avengers Mk I 4M FN908, 4F and 4D of No. 846 Squadron FAA

British Pacific Fleet Task Force 57 Avengers head to Sakishima 1945

British Pacific Fleet Task Force 57 Avengers head to Sakishima 1945

Capt Isbell, Cmdr Snider and Avengers takeoff from USS Card 1943

Capt Isbell, Cmdr Snider Avengers takeoff from USS Card 1943

Cockpit of a British TBF Avenger

Cockpit of a British TBF Avenger/Tarpon

Crew Fight Fire of Burning TBM Avenger piloted by Lt. C.R. Dean of VT-124 on Deck of USS HANCOCK (CV-19) – 21 January 1945

Crew Fight Fire of Burning TBM Avenger piloted by Lt. C.R. Dean of VT-124 on Deck of USS HANCOCK 21 January 1945

Crew Fight Fire of Burning TBM Avenger piloted by Lt. C.R. Dean of VT-124 on Deck of USS HANCOCK 21 January 1945 2

Crew Fight Fire of Burning TBM Avenger piloted by Lt. C.R. Dean of VT-124 on Deck of USS HANCOCK 21 January 1945 2

Crew loading torpedo on TBF aboard aircraft carrier 1943

Crew loading torpedo on TBF aboard aircraft carrier 1943

Crew loads 500 lb bombs on TBF at Guadalcanals Henderson Field

Crew loads 500 lb bombs on TBF at Guadalcanals Henderson Field

Crewmen load a Mark XIII torpedo on a TBM Avenger USS Bennington CV-20

crewmen load a Mark XIII torpedo on a TBM Avenger USS Bennington CV-20

Crewmen Loading Incendiary Bombs on Avenger for Raid on Tarawa

Crewmen loading incendiary bombs on Avenger for raid on Tarawa, USS Lexington September 1943

Damaged TBF Avenger #113 USS BENNINGTON CV-20 1945

Damaged TBF Avenger #113 USS BENNINGTON CV-20 1945

Destroyed TBF Avenger

Destroyed TBF Avenger

Destroyed TBM Avenger #122 on the hangar deck of the USS Monterey December 19, 1944

Destroyed TBM Avenger #122 on the hangar deck of the USS Monterey December 19, 1944

TBF Avenger VT-8 Battle of Midway

Ensign A.K. Earnest's TBF Avenger coded 8-T-1 of the VT-8. Midway June 4, 1942. Gunner AMM3c Jay D. Manning was KIA.

Escort carrier USS Sangamon (CVE-26) with TBM-1C Avengers of Torpedo Squadron VT-37 pictured spotted on the flight deck in 1944

Escort carrier USS Sangamon (CVE-26) with TBM-1C Avengers of Torpedo Squadron VT-37 pictured spotted on the flight deck in 1944

F6F-3 Hellcats and TBM-1C white 2 and 3 on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, Hawaii July 20 1944

F6F-3 Hellcats and TBM-1C white 2 and 3 on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, Hawaii July 20 1944

FAA Avenger/Tarpon code 4L at Hatston

FAA Avenger/Tarpon Mk I code 4L FN936 of No. 850 Squadron FAA at Hatston

Fleet Air Arm Tarpon takes off

Fleet Air Arm Tarpon takes off

Fleet Air Arm Tarpons on patrol in formation 1943

Fleet Air Arm Tarpons on patrol in formation 1943

Grumman TBF Avengers of VC-38 near Espiritu Santo 1943

Grumman Avengers of VC-38 near Espiritu Santo 1943

Grumman Tarpon Mk I

Grumman Tarpon code 4L FN936 of No 846 Squadron FAA

British Grumman Tarpon Mk I

Grumman Tarpon Mk I

Grumman TBF Avenger during bombing raid on Marcus Island

Grumman TBF Avenger during bombing raid on Marcus Island

Grumman TBF Avenger of the VT-8 26 March 1942 2

Grumman TBF Avenger of the VT-8 26 March 1942 2

Grumman TBF packed for shipment to the England

Grumman TBF packed for shipment to the England

Grumman TBF-1 Avenger 1942

Grumman TBF-1 1942

Grumman TBF-1 Avenger 1943

Grumman TBF-1 Avenger 1943

Grumman TBF-1 Avenger 1943 color photo 2

Grumman TBF-1 Avenger 1943 color photo 2

gun crew covers TBF landing on USS Card (CVE-11) – 1943

gun crew covers TBF landing on USS Card 1943

June 15, 1944 as Ens Shipes flying a TBF-1 Avenger of VC-8 records the 1700th landing on board the USS Guadalcanal CVE-60

June 15, 1944 as Ens Shipes flying a TBF-1 Avenger of VC-8 records the 1700th landing on board the USS Guadalcanal CVE-60

USS Wolverine TBF Avenger during carrier qualification on April 10, 1943

Landing Signal Officer (LSO) on board the training aircraft carrier USS Wolverine (IX-64) steaming in Lake Michigan watches a TBF Avenger during carrier qualification on April 10, 1943

Loading a Mark XIII torpedo into the bomb bay of a TBF-1 Avenger – USS Lexington

Loading a Mark XIII torpedo into the bomb bay of a TBF-1 USS Lexington

Loading a Mark XIII torpedo into the bomb bay of a TBF-1 USS Lexington 2

Loading a Mark XIII torpedo into the bomb bay of a TBF-1 USS Lexington CV-16 2

Loading a torpedo into a British Avengers/Tarpons

Loading a torpedo into a British Avengers

Lt. W.D. Seeley 1st Rocket Attack on U-Boot on Wing of TBF Avenger 1944

Lt. W.D. Seeley 1st Rocket Attack on U-Boot on Wing of TBF Avenger 1944

Marine Ordnancemen load 2000 lb bomb into the bomb bay of a Grumman TBF Avenger, 1944

Marine Ordnancemen load 2000 lb bomb into the bomb bay of a Grumman TBF-1 Avenger, 1944

USS Nassau supporting the invasion of Attu in the Aleutians May 1943

Ordnancemen handle a cart with a bomb chalked with a message on the flight deck of the auxiliary carrier USS Nassau (ACV-16) supporting the invasion of Attu in the Aleutians in May 1943

Ordnancemen load Mk 10 mines into the bomb bay of a TBF Avenger VT-16 on the flight deck of the carrier USS Lexington (CV-16) on March 29, 1944

Ordnancemen load Mk 10 mines into the bomb bay of a TBF Avenger VT-16 on the flight deck of the carrier USS Lexington (CV-16) on March 29, 1944

Painting of MIA Ace Gregory Boyington presented to his Mother

Painting of MIA Ace Gregory Boyington presented to his Mother. Avenger in the background.

refuel a TBF-1 Avenger of VT-4 on the flight deck of the USS Ranger during Operation Torch November 8 1942

refuel a TBF-1 of VT-4 on the flight deck of the USS Ranger CV-4 during Operation Torch November 8 1942

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm TBM Avenger

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm TBM Avenger

Students begin to extricate themselves from the fuselage of a TBF

Students begin to extricate themselves from the fuselage of a TBF Avenger during an escape drill at NAS Ft. Lauderdale Florida on August 8, 1944

Tarpon Mk II code „4B” of No 846 Squadron taxi-ing out to the runway

Tarpon 4B of No 846 Squadron taxi-ing out to the runway

Tarpon/Avenger landing on the HMS TRUMPETER

Tarpon landing on the HMS TRUMPETER

TBF #12 of VT-8 ready for launch from the USS Bunker Hill CV-17 for a strike against Saipan June 10, 1944

TBF #12 of VT-8 ready for launch from the USS Bunker Hill for a strike against Saipan June 10, 1944

TBF Avenger #22 in water alongside USS Coral Sea

TBF #22 in water alongside USS Coral Sea

TBF Avengers and aircraft carrier elevator

TBF and aircraft carrier elevator

TBF attacks Japanese ships at Amami Shima 1945

TBF attacks Japanese ships at Amami Shima 1945

TBF Avenger code 22-C-4 of VC-22 in carrier landing configuration on May 1 1943

TBF Avenger 22-C-4 of VC-22 in carrier landing configuration on May 1 1943

TBF Avenger about to crash into ocean

TBF Avenger about to crash into ocean

TBF Avenger and Japanese prisoner of war

TBF Avenger and Japanese prisoner of war

TBF Avenger being launched from USS Langley (CVL-27) during operations off China Coast 10 October 1944

TBF Avenger being launched from USS Langley during operations off China Coast 10 October 1944

TBF Avenger bombers in echelon formation

TBF Avenger bombers in echelon formation

TBF Avenger code 8-T-1 of the VT-8, 26 March 1942

TBF Avenger code 8-T-1 of the VT-8, 26 March 1942

TBF Avenger crashes in Pacific 1945

TBF Avenger crashes in Pacific 1945

TBF Avenger of the VT-8 after Battle of Midway – 25 June 1942 2

TBF Avenger of the VT-8 after Battle of Midway - 25 June 1942. Pilot Ensign Albert Earnest.

TBF Avenger 8-T-1 of the VT-8 Midway 25 June 1942

TBF Avenger of the VT-8 Midway 25 June 1942

Grumman TBF of VT-31 drifts over the port catwalk of the carrier USS Cabot (CVL-28) – December 1943

TBF Avenger of VT-31 drifts over the port catwalk of the carrier USS Cabot (CVL-28) during an attempted recovery on December 14, 1943

TBF Avenger „5” of VT-31 scrambles from the sinking aircraft after the pilot ditched it during flight operations on board the light carrier USS Cabot (CVL-28) on September 6, 1943

TBF Avenger of VT-31 scrambles from the sinking aircraft after the pilot ditched it during flight operations on board the light carrier USS Cabot (CVL-28) on September 6, 1943

TBF Avenger on deck of USS Nassau CVE-16 – September 6 1943

TBF Avenger on deck of USS Nassau CVE-16 - September 6 1943

TBF Avenger on deck of USS Yorktown CV-10 1943, color photo

TBF Avenger on deck of USS Yorktown CV-10 1943, color photo

TBF Avenger Swoops over Flight Deck of Carrier USS Santee (CVE-29) -1943

TBF Avenger Swoops over Flight Deck of Carrier USS Santee (CVE-29) - 1943

TBF Avenger takes off from flight deck of USS Card (CVE-11) – 1943

TBF Avenger takes off from flight deck of USS Card 1943

TBF Avenger takes off from USS Princeton (CVL-23) for Ryukyus Raid 1944

TBF Avenger takes off from USS Princeton (CVL-23) for Ryukyus Raid 1944

TBF Avenger takes off with Jet Assistance

TBF Avenger takes off with Jet Assistance

TBF Avenger uses JATO to take off

TBF Avenger uses JATO to take off

TBF Avenger „8” Vella Lavella on January 24, 1944

TBF Avenger Vella Lavella on January 24, 1944

TBF Avenger white 55 Fiji 1942

TBF Avenger white 55 Fiji 1942

TBF Avenger Fiji 11 1942

TBF Avenger, Fiji 11 1942

TBF Avengers at Munda Airfield New Georgia

TBF Avengers at Munda Airfield New Georgia

TBF Avengers color photo

TBF Avengers color photo

TBF Avenger, F4F Wildcat and an SNJ Texan on deck of USS Sable (IX-81) – June 10, 1943

TBF Avengers F4F Wildcats and an SNJ Texan tied down on the flight deck of the training aircraft carrier Sable (IX 81) operating on Lake Michigan on June 10 1943

TBF Avengers fly over ships of the fleet en route to bomb enemy targets on September 26 1944

TBF Avengers fly over ships of the fleet en route to bomb enemy targets on September 26, 1944

TBF Avengers launched from catapult of USS Yorktown 1946

TBF Avengers launched from catapult of USS Yorktown CV-10 1946

TBF Avengers lined up at Munda New Georgia on December 6 1943

TBF Avengers lined up at Munda New Georgia on December 6, 1943

TBF Munda New Georgia Solomons on October 26 1943

TBF Avengers Munda New Georgia Solomons on October 26 1943

TBF Avengers of CVLG-50 on the flight deck of USS Bataan CVL-29 – July 20, 1944

TBF Avengers of CVLG-50 on the flight deck of USS Bataan CVL-29 - July 20, 1944

TBF Avengers on deck of USS Cowpens (CVL-25) 1943

TBF Avengers on deck of USS Cowpens (CVL-25) 1943

TBF Avengers on snow covered deck of USS Ranger CV-4 1943

TBF Avengers on snow covered deck of USS Ranger CV-4, North Atlantic 1943

TBF Avengers – Munda Airfield New Georgia 1944

TBF Avengers, Munda Airfield New Georgia 1944

TBF Avenger catapult launch on aircraft carrier

TBF catapult launch on aircraft carrier

TBF Avenger drops a practice torpedo during training 1942

TBF drops a practice torpedo during training 1942

TBF flies over an anchorage full of ships in the Marshall Islands on May 23 1944

TBF flies over an anchorage full of ships in the Marshall Islands on May 23 1944

TBF Avenger flying over the landing beaches near Tacloban on 20 October

TBF flying over the landing beaches near Tacloban on 20 October

TBF Avenger hangs on carrier s bow after overrunning flight deck

TBF hangs on carrier s bow after overrunning flight deck

TBF Japanese dive bomber bomb narrowly misses US carrier near Rabaul

TBF Japanese dive bomber bomb narrowly misses US carrier near Rabaul

TBF Avenger with JATO USS Altamaha (CVE-18) – March 1944

TBF JATO USS ALTAMAHA March 1944

TBF Avenger on an aircraft carrier’s elevator

TBF on an aircraft carrier's elevator

TBF Avenger on street of Safi Morocco

TBF on street of Safi Morocco

TBF on the flight deck of an escort carrier operating in the Atlantic on June 13, 1944

TBF on the flight deck of an escort carrier operating in the Atlantic on June 13, 1944

TBF practice torpedo attacks November 1942

TBF practice torpedo attacks November 1942

TBF Avenger prepares for a water landing near a destroyer during the Okinawa invasion

TBF prepares for a water landing near a destroyer during the Okinawa invasion

TBF take off with JATO USS Makassar Strait (CVE-91)

TBF take off with JATO USS Makassar Strait (CVE-91)

TBF take off with JATO USS Makassar Strait (CVE-91) 2

TBF take off with JATO USS Makassar Strait 2

TBF-1 Avenger of the VT-5 launching from USS Yorktown CV-10

TBF VT 5 launching from USS Yorktown

TBF-1 Avenger #5 USS Charger CVE-30

TBF-1 Avenger #5 USS Charger CVE-30

TBF-1 Avenger 121 of the VT-5 after deck crash on USS Yorktown CV-10

TBF-1 Avenger 121 of the VT-5 after deck crash on USS Yorktown CV-10

TBF-1 Avenger code 4-T-2 of the VT-4 dropping torpedo 1942

TBF-1 Avenger code 4-T-2 of the VT-4 dropping torpedo 1942

TBF Avenger makes landing approach

TBF-1 Avenger makes landing approach

TBF 1 VGS 26 launches from the carrier USS Charger July 31 1942

TBF-1 Avenger of the VGS-26 launches from the carrier USS Charger (CVE-30) July 31, 1942

TBF-1 Avenger of VGS-13 take off – USS Core ACV-13 February 15, 1943

TBF-1 Avenger of VGS-13 take off - USS Core ACV-13 February 15, 1943

TBF-1 Avenger white 7

TBF-1 Avenger white 7

TBF-1 Avengers of VT-7 on the flight deck USS Wasp CV-7 1942

TBF-1 Avengers of VT-7 on the flight deck USS Wasp CV-7

TBF 1, USS Coral Sea (CVE-57), fly over Butaritari Island Makin Atoll during the pre invasion 20 November 1943 USS CORAL SEA

TBF-1 fly over Butaritari Island, Makin Atoll during the pre invasion 20 November 1943

TBF-1 Avenger white 18 over Wake island – color photo

TBF-1 white 18 over Wake island - color photo

TBF-1C Avenger #92 of VT-26 after it ditched following a catapult mishap on board the USS Bataan CVL-29 March 13, 1944

TBF-1C Avenger #92 of VT-26 after it ditched following a catapult mishap on board the USS Bataan CVL-29 March 13, 1944

TBF-1C Avenger white 5 of the VT-32

TBF-1C Avenger white 5 of the VT-32 in flight over the waters off Oahu January 16, 1944

TBF-1C Avenger of the VC-6 painted in the Atlantic paint scheme of light gray and white pictured on the flight deck of the USS Tripoli CVE-64

TBF-1C of the VC-6 painted in the Atlantic paint scheme of light gray and white pictured on the flight deck of the USS Tripoli CVE-64

TBF-1C Avenger of VC-9 prior to its launching from the USS Mission Bay CVE-59 January 1, 1944

TBF-1C of VC-9 prior to its launching from the USS Mission Bay CVE-59 January 1, 1944

TBF-1C of VT-15 in flight July 21, 1944

TBF-1C of VT-15 in flight July 21, 1944

TBF, SBD and F4F USS Ranger CV-4

TBF, SBD and F4F from Air Group 4 on snow covered deck of USS Ranger CV-4

TBM-3 Avenger flies over Mount Suribachi March 1945

TBM Avenger #102 from USS Bismarck Sea (CVE-95) flying over Mt. Suribachi after the island of Iwo Jima was officially declared secure in March 1945

TBM-3 Avenger #413 of VT-83 „Cultured Vulture II” USS Essex in flight over Japan August 1945

TBM Avenger #413 of VT-83 "Cultured Vulture II" USS Essex in flight over Japan August 1945

TBM Avenger #66 of the VT(N)-90 trapped on board the carrier USS Enterprise on March 8, 1945

TBM Avenger #66 of the VT(N)-90 trapped on board the carrier USS Enterprise on March 8, 1945

TBM Avenger #85 of VT-18 from USS Intrepid attack on Okinawa

TBM Avenger #85 of VT-18 from USS Intrepid attack on Okinawa

TBM of VT 50 after striking the barricade on board USS Bataan 1944

TBM Avenger #9 of VT-50 after striking the barricade on board USS Bataan CVL-29, 1944

TBM Avenger 315 of CAG87 USS Ticonderoga CV-14, June 7, 1945 off Okinawa

TBM Avenger 315 of CAG87 USS Ticonderoga CV-14, June 7, 1945 off Okinawa

Damaged TBM Avenger #43 of VT-20 after returning to the carrier USS Enterprise CV-6, Philippine Islands October 1944

TBM Avenger 43 of VT-20 after returning to the carrier USS Enterprise, Philippine Islands October 1944

TBM Avenger #92 of the VT-26 USS Santee CVE-29 in flight on October 20 1944

TBM Avenger 92 of the VT-26 USS Santee in flight on October 20 1944

TBM Avenger at NAS Anacostia May 1943

TBM Avenger at NAS Anacostia May 1943

TBM Avenger code E16 of Carrier Aircraft Service Unit CASU-22 onto catapult on board the escort carrier USS Mission Bay (CVE-59) on October 23, 1943

TBM Avenger of Carrier Aircraft Service Unit CASU-22 onto catapult on board the escort carrier USS Mission Bay (CVE-59) on October 23, 1943

TBM Avenger „8” of the VT-45 pictured catching a wire on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) on March 21, 1945

TBM Avenger of the VT-45 pictured catching a wire on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) on March 21, 1945

TBM Avenger „21” of VC-42 into other aircraft spotted on the forward section of the flight deck of the escort carrier Bogue (CVE-9) during flight operations on September 18 1944

TBM Avenger of VC-42 into other aircraft spotted on the forward section of the flight deck of the escort carrier Bogue (CVE-9) during flight operations on September 18 1944

TBM Avenger of VC-69 on the flight deck of the USS Bogue CVE-9 1944

TBM Avenger of VC-69 on the flight deck of the USS Bogue CVE-9 1944

TBM Avenger „47” of VC-75 USS Ommaney Bay, Peleliu on September 18, 1944

TBM Avenger of VC-75 off the escort carrier USS Ommaney Bay (CVE-79) pictured after becoming the first aircraft to land on the embattled island of Peleliu on September 18, 1944

TBM Avenger of VT-31 pictured after recovering on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Cabot (CVL-28) operating in the Pacific on July 11, 1944

TBM Avenger of VT-31 pictured after recovering on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Cabot (CVL-28) operating in the Pacific on July 11, 1944

Grumman TBM Avenger of VT-4 off the carrier USS Essex (CV-9) en route to attack Formosa with an escort of F4U Corsairs of VMF-124 and 213 on January 3, 1945

TBM Avenger of VT-4 off the carrier USS Essex (CV-9) en route to attack Formosa with an escort of F4U Corsairs of VMF-124 and 213 on January 3, 1945

TBM Avenger of VT-87 in flight near NAAS Oceana Virginia on October 22 1944

TBM Avenger of VT-87 in flight near NAAS Oceana Virginia on October 22, 1944

TBM Avenger U21 of VC-71 in flight over California on March 12, 1945

TBM Avenger U21 of VC-71 in flight over California on March 12, 1945

TBM Avenger VT-26 USS SANTEE over Panaon Island Philipines

TBM Avenger VT-26 USS SANTEE over Panaon Island Philipines

TBM Avengers and FM Wildcats of VC-36 on the flight deck of the USS Core CVE-13 Atlantic on April 9, 1944

TBM Avengers and FM Wildcats of VC-36 on the flight deck of the USS Core CVE-13 Atlantic on April 9, 1944

TBM Avengers and SB2C Helldivers of CAG-83 off the carrier USS Essex over Japan on July 15, 1945

TBM Avengers and SB2C Helldivers of CAG-83 off the carrier USS Essex over Japan on July 15, 1945

TBM Avengers N15 and N19 of Composite Squadron VC-63 off the escort carrier USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) pictured in flight over Wotje Atoll on February 9, 1944

TBM Avengers of Composite Squadron VC-63 off the escort carrier USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) pictured in flight over Wotje Atoll on February 9, 1944

TBM Avengers of Torpedo Squadron VT-88

TBM Avengers of Torpedo Squadron VT-88 off the carrier Yorktown (CV-10) pictured in flight over the Pacific on August 22, 1945

TBM Avengers of VT-88 USS Yorktown CV-10 in flight over the Pacific on August 22, 1945

TBM Avengers of VT-88 USS Yorktown CV-10 in flight over the Pacific on August 22, 1945

TBM code E58 landing on aircraft carrier

TBM E58 landing on aircraft carrier

TBM Avenger of VC-83 making the 4000th landing on the USS Sargent Bay CVE-83 on May 13, 1945

TBM of VC-83 making the 4000th landing on the USS Sargent Bay CVE-83 on May 13, 1945

TBM of VT-12 on the hangar deck of the USS Randolph (CV-15) on March 11, 194

TBM of VT-12 on the hangar deck of the USS Randolph (CV-15) on March 11, 194

TBM-1 Avenger #12 of VK-12 on Barnika in the Russell Islands, June 27, 1944

TBM-1 Avenger #12 of VK-12 on Barnika in the Russell Islands, June 27, 1944

TBM-1 Avenger flies low over the flight deck of USS Makin Island

TBM-1 Avenger flies low over the flight deck of USS Makin Island CVE-93

TBM-1 Avenger NACA Langley Field Virginia on November 20 1943

TBM-1 Avenger NACA Langley Field Virginia on November 20, 1943

TBM-1 Avengers of VT-37 on deck of USS Sangamon

TBM-1 Avengers of VT-37 on deck of USS Sangamon

TBM-1C Avenger #48 of VT-10 on the hangar deck of the USS Enterprise – June 12 1944

TBM-1C Avenger #48 of VT-10 on the hangar deck of the USS Enterprise - June 12 1944

TBM-1C Avenger from VC-11 USS Nehenta Bay CVE-74 supporting the invasion of Tinian July 25, 1944

TBM-1C Avenger from VC-11 USS Nehenta Bay CVE-74 supporting the invasion of Tinian July 25, 1944

TBM-1C Avenger #9 of the VT-51 USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) invasion of Peleliu on September 16, 1944

TBM-1C Avenger of the VT-51 USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) invasion of Peleliu on September 16, 1944

TBM-1C Avenger „5” of the VT-51 USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) over Majuro Atoll, 30 May 1944

TBM-1C Avenger of the VT-51 USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) over Majuro Atoll, 30 May 1944

TBM-1C Avenger of VC-80 on the flight deck of the USS Manila Bay (CVE-61) damaged by a kamikaze hit – January 5. 1945

TBM-1C Avenger of VC-80 on the flight deck of the USS Manila Bay (CVE-61) damaged by a kamikaze hit - January 5. 1945

TBM-1C Avenger #6 of VT-18 USS Intrepid CV-11 in formation during 1944

TBM-1C Avenger of VT-18 USS Intrepid CV-11 in formation during 1944

TBM-1C „44” on deck of USS Enterprise

TBM-1C Avenger of VT-20 after recovery on board the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in October 1944

TBM-1C Avenger of VT-4 en route back to the carrier USS Essex Saigon in Indochina on January 12, 1945

TBM-1C Avenger of VT-4 en route back to the carrier USS Essex Saigon in Indochina on January 12, 1945

TBM-1C Avenger of VT-7 on the flight deck of the USS Hancock (CV-19) May 27, 1944

TBM-1C Avenger of VT-7 on the flight deck of the USS Hancock (CV-19) May 27, 1944

TBM-1C Avenger of VT-87 launching from the deck of the USS Randolph CV-15 in the Atlantic November 15, 1944

TBM-1C Avenger of VT-87 launching from the deck of the USS Randolph CV-15 in the Atlantic November 15, 1944

TBM-1C Avengers #8, 3, 15 of VT-7 off the carrier USS Hancock CV-19 in flight over the Pacific August 5, 1944

TBM-1C of VT-7 off the carrier USS Hancock CV-19 in flight over the Pacific August 5, 1944

TBM-1D Avenger BuNo 45473 fitted with radar – July 1944

TBM-1D Avenger BuNo 45473 fitted with radar - July 1944

TBM-1D Avenger BuNo 45707 Patuxent River 1944

TBM-1D Avenger BuNo 45707 with AN/APS-4 search radar. Patuxent River 31 July 1944

TBM-1D Avenger of the VT(N)-41 launches from the USS Independence CVL-22 October 4 1944

TBM-1D Avenger of the VT(N)-41 launches from the USS Independence CVL-22 October 4 1944

Damaged TBM-3 #301 of VT-84 after it landed aboard the carrier USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) February 19, 1945

TBM-3 #301 of VT-84 after it landed aboard the carrier USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) February 19, 1945

TBM-3 #36 USS Siboney CVE-112 in flight 1945

TBM-3 #36 USS Siboney CVE-112 1945

TBM-3 Avenger #5 of VC-84 USS Makin Island (CVE-93) ready to launch, Okinawa on April 3, 1945

TBM-3 Avenger #5 of VC-84 USS Makin Island (CVE-93) ready to launch, Okinawa on April 3, 1945

TBM-3 Avenger #60 of VMTB-233 at Matsuyama Airfield on Formosa on September 5, 1945

TBM-3 Avenger #60 of VMTB-233 at Matsuyama Airfield on Formosa on September 5, 1945

TBM-3 Avenger „4” and FM-2 Wildcat of Composite Squadron VC-84 off the escort carrier USS Makin Island (CVE-93) pictured in flight on January 9, 1945

TBM-3 Avenger and FM-2 Wildcat of Composite Squadron VC-84 off the escort carrier USS Makin Island (CVE-93) pictured in flight on January 9, 1945

TBM-3 Avenger from VC-84 USS Makin Island CVE-93 on January 10, 1945

TBM-3 Avenger of Composite Squadron VC-84 pictured after the pilot took a wave-off during an attempted recovery on board the escort carrier USS Makin Island (CVE-93) on January 10, 1945

Grumman TBM-3 Avenger of VMTB-233 on the deck of USS Block Island – February 7, 1945

TBM-3 Avenger of VMTB-233 pictured on the deck of the escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-106) the first flattop to embark an all-Marine air group on February 7, 1945

TBM-3 Avenger on deck of carrier USS Cape Gloucester CVE-109 September 1945

TBM-3 Avenger on deck of carrier USS Cape Gloucester CVE-109 September 1945

Marine TBM-3 Avengers of VMTB-232 at Okinawa on May 4, 1945

TBM-3 Avengers of VMTB-232 at Okinawa on May 4, 1945

TBM-3 Avengers 82 and 95 of VT-2 with wheels and arrester hooks down above the carrier USS Hornet (CV-12) after a strike on Guam July 18 1944

TBM-3 Avengers of VT-2 with wheels and arrester hooks down above the carrier USS Hornet (CV-12) after a strike on Guam July 18 1944

TBM-3 Avenger of the #314 of VT-4 launches from USS Essex CV-9 off Japan on February 22, 1945

TBM-3 of the 314 of VT-4 launches from USS Essex CV-9 off Japan on February 22, 1945

TBM-3 Avenger of VMTB-233 on board USS Block Island (CVE-106) during operations off San Diego February 7, 1945

TBM-3 of VMTB-233 on board USS Block Island (CVE-106) during operations off San Diego February 7, 1945

TBM-3E Avenger #92 of VT-89 in flight over Peking China on September 4, 1945

TBM-3E #92 of VT-89 in flight over Peking China on September 4, 1945

TBM-3E Avenger code 80 on board carrier USS Saginaw Bay CVE-82 – September 9 1945

TBM-3E 80 on board carrier USS Saginaw Bay CVE-82 - September 9 1945

TBM-3E Avenger #3 of VT-33 in flight over USS Sangamon March 2,7 1945

TBM-3E Avenger #3 of VT-33 in flight over USS Sangamon March 2,7 1945

TBM-3E Avenger #417 of the VT-83 USS Essex with Nose Art

TBM-3E Avenger #417 of the VT-83 with Nose Art

TBM-3E Avenger 418 USS Essex on a raid over Japan on 10 July 1945, Mt. Fujiyama in the background

TBM-3E Avenger 418 USS Essex on a raid over Japan on 10 July 1945, Mt. Fujiyama in the background

TBM-3E Avenger over USS Antietam CV-36

TBM-3E Avenger over USS Antietam CV-36

TBM-3E Avengers #93, 92 (USS Antietam CV-36) in flight over Hong Kong

TBM-3E Avengers #93, 92 of the VT-89 in flight over Hong Kong, September 1945

The first production TBF-1 Avenger at the Grumman in Bethpage January 9. 1942

The first production TBF-1 Avenger at the Grumman in Bethpage January 9. 1942

Torpedo Loaded on Air Group 2 TBF aboard USS Hornet CV 12

Torpedo Loaded on Air Group 2 TBF Avengers aboard USS Hornet CV-12

USS Belleau Wood – TBF Avengers of VT-21 and F6F Hellcat of VF-21, October 1944

USS Belleau Wood Avengers of VT-21 and F6F Hellcat of VF-21, October 1944

USS Hoggatt Bay CVE-75, June 16 1944, TBM Avenger of VC-14 crashed on landing

USS Hoggatt Bay CVE-75, June 16 1944, TBM Avenger of VC-14 crashed on landing

USS Independence CVL-22 – TBM-1D Avenger of VT(N)-41 September 6 1944

USS Independence TBM-1D Avenger #26 of VT(N)-41 September 6 1944

Willys MB and TBF Avenger on Deck USS Yorktown (CV-10) during attack on Wake October 1943

Willys MB and TBF Avenger on Deck USS Yorktown (CV-10) during attack on Wake October 1943

XTBF-3 Avenger BuNo 24341 at Patuxent River, June 1945

XTBF-3 Avenger BuNo 24341 at Patuxent River, June 1945

XTBF-3 Avenger in flight near NAS Patuxent River December 16 1943

XTBF-3 in flight near NAS Patuxent River December 16 1943

Grumman TBF Avenger (General Motors TBM) was an American three-place torpedo bomber. The TBF Avenger entered U.S. Navy service in May 1942, and first saw action during the Battle of Midway with VT-8.

General Specifications

  • Type: Three-seat torpedo-bomber.
Wings
  • Configuration: Mid-wing cantilever monoplane with a rectangular center-section and equally tapered, hydraulically folding outer wing sections.
  • Structure: All-metal single-spar structure with flush-riveted smooth metal skin.
  • Flaps and Ailerons: Split trailing-edge flaps are located between the ailerons and the center-section.
Fuselage
  • Construction: Oval section semi-monocoque structure built with a series of angle frames and stamped bulkheads. The skin is smooth metal reinforced internally by longitudinal Z and channel-type stringers, with additional stiffening at highly-stressed points.
Tail Unit
  • Type: Cantilever monoplane type with an integral fin and a cantilever tailplane mounted above the fuselage.
  • Construction: All-metal with metal-covered fixed surfaces and fabric-covered rudder and elevators. Trimming-tabs are present in the control surfaces.
Landing Gear
  • Type: Retractable with cantilever oleo legs that retract outwardly into recesses in the underside of the outer wing sections. The aircraft also has a fully-retractable tail-wheel and provisions for catapult launch, electrically-operated retractable arrester hook, and "Jato" rocket boost take-off.
Power Plant
  • Engine: One 1,700 h.p. Wright R-2600-8 fourteen-cylinder radial air-cooled engine with a two-speed supercharger.
  • Propeller: Three-blade Hamilton-Standard Hydromatic constant-speed airscrew.
  • Fuel Tanks: Three main fuel tanks are built into the center-section, including a center tank (150 U.S. gallons) within the fuselage and two outer tanks (90 U.S. gallons each) in the center-section stubs. Additional auxiliary droppable tanks (58 U.S. gallons each) can be attached under the outer wings, and a long-range ferry tank (275 U.S. gallons) can be fitted in the bomb-bay.
  • Oil Tank: 32 U.S. gallons located in the engine compartment.
Accommodation
  • Crew: Three (pilot, bomb-aimer, and radio-operator).
  • Cockpit and Positions:
    • Pilot: Positioned over the leading edge of the wing, responsible for operating forward-fixed guns and releasing the torpedo.
    • Bomb-aimer: Located in the lower fuselage aft of the bomb-bay, also operates the ventral gun.
    • Radio-operator/Turret-gunner: Positioned aft of the pilot.
Armament
  • Fixed Armament:
    • One 0.30 cal. machine-gun in the cowling, synchronized to fire through the propeller.
    • One fixed 0.50 cal. gun in each outer wing.
  • Defensive Armament:
    • One 0.50 cal. gun in a power-operated turret.
    • One 0.30 cal. gun in a ventral hatch at the aft end of the bomb or torpedo bay.
  • Bomb/Torpedo Load: The bomb-bay can accommodate:
    • One U.S.N. short air torpedo,
    • One 2,000 lb. or 1,600 lb. armor-piercing bomb,
    • Four 500 lb. bombs or equivalent smaller caliber bombs,
    • A smoke-screen tank, droppable fuel tank, or tow target equipment.
  • Bomb-Bay Doors: Hydraulically-operated and controlled by the pilot or bomb-aimer.
Dimensions
  • Span: 54 ft. 2 in. (16.5 m)
  • Width (folded): 19 ft. (5.8 m)
  • Length: 40 ft. 0.5 in. (12.2 m)
  • Height: 16 ft. 5 in. (5 m)
  • Wing Area: 490 sq. ft. (45.5 sq. m)
Performance
  • Normal Loaded Weight: 15,536 lbs. (7,053 kg)
  • Maximum Speed: 278 m.p.h. (445 km/h)
  • Rate of Climb: 1,075 ft./min. (376 m/min)
  • Service Ceiling: 22,600 ft. (6,890 m)
  • Normal Range: 905 miles (1,450 km) at 215 m.p.h. (344 km/h)
 

Bibliography

  • Charles L. Scrivner - TBM/TBF Avenger in action, Squadron/Signal Publications Aircraft No. 82
  • Lou Drendel - TBF/TBM Avenger, Walk Around Number 25 Squadron/Signal Publications
  • Bert Kinzey - TBF & TBM Avenger Detail & Scale 53
  • R. Jackson, T. E. Doll - Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger, Aero Publishers Aero Series 21
  • Grumman/G.M. TBF/TBM Avenger - Famous Airplanes Of The World 42, Bunrin Do
  • TBM / TBF Avenger in detail - Red Special Museum Line 4
  • Barrett Tillman - TBF/TBM Avenger Units of World War 2, Osprey Combat Aircraft 16
  • Rene J. Francillon - Grumman (Eastern) TBF (TBM) Avenger, Aircraft Profile Number 214
  • S. Navy Carrier Bombers of WWII: TBD Devastator; SBD Dauntless; SB2C Helldiver; TBF/TBM Avenger - quadron/Signal Publications 6205
  • Robert Hargis - US Naval Aviator 1941-1945 - Osprey Warrior 52
  • R. Johnson - American Attack Aircraft Since 1926
  • John M. Elliott - The Official Monogram U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide, Vol 2: 1940-1949
  • Thomas E. Doll - US Navy Aircraft Camouflage & Markings 1940-1945, Squadron/Signal Publications 6087