Hobby Master 1/72 - Avenger TBM-3E2 Dutch Marine Luchtvaartdienst, 1954

Hobby Master 1/72 - Avenger TBM-3E2 Dutch Marine Luchtvaartdienst, 1954

The TBF/M "Avenger" was the biggest single engine aircraft during the WWII. She was ordered into production in Dec 1940 with first delivery just in time for the Battle of Midway. The "Avenger" was characterized by its rigid and strong body and its versatilities. She started out as a torpedo bomber but it soon took the duties as a close-support bomber, a patrol aircraft and even a trainer. After the war the Avenger was also used as crop dusters and forest fire water bombers.

The Aircraft

Fifty TBM-3 were delivered in 1953-4 to the Royal Netherlands Naval Air service and these were ex-planes from the US Navy. They were used as submarine 'killer' and some were deployed from the Dutch navy aircraft carrier “Karel Doorman”.

Specifications :

Dimensions:
Length:	40' 11.5"
Height:	16' 9"
Wingspan:	54' 2"
Weight:
Max weight:	17,364 lbs
Empty weight:	10,500 lbs
Engine & Power:	1 X Wright R-2600-20 @1900 hp
Power:	1700 HP at sea level
Performance:
Stall Speed :	Stall Speed: 77 mph IAS
Max Speed :	249 mph
Celling:	21,400 ft
Rate of climb:	1,400 fpm at sea level
Range:	1,100 miles
Armament:	2 X .50 cal machine guns in turret
	2 X .50 cal machine guns in wing
	1 X .30 gun in tail
	Various bombs or torpedo