The much larger rear gunner's canopy also slides open, and the aft portion can be configured in a lowered state for clearance of the twin rotating machine guns. The pilot's canopy slides open to reveal a pad-printed instrument panel, flight control stick and seat. Hobby Master's 1:72 scale SB2C Helldiver has many features not generally seen in this scale. © Copyright 2003-2023 The Flying Mule, Inc. It carried an impressive armament but was underpowered and had a reputation for difficult handling characteristics, which earned it the nickname "Son-of-a-Bitch 2nd Class." Most of its problems were resolved with the SB2C-4 variant, which changed many pilots' minds about the Helldiver in their eyes, its ability to sortie over long distances and carry a heavier bomb load redeemed many of its remaining faults. The Helldiver was larger and faster than the Dauntless and was capable of operating from the most advanced aircraft carriers of its time. VB-17 lost 4 Helldivers that day, one crashed on take off and one was jettisoned after landing because it was so battle damaged.Ĭurtiss SB2C Helldiver Designed to replace the US Navy's Douglas SBD Dauntless, the SB2C Helldiver was first flown on December 18, 1940. After 20 minutes it was time to return to the Bunker Hill but not before the SB2Cs damaged a cruiser and three destroyers with one destroyer being sunk. Immediately the escorting Hellcats engaged the Zeroes allowing the Helldivers to attack the Japanese ships maneuvering to avoid them. Vose led 23 SB2C-1s and when the force arrived at Rabaul they were greeted by Zeroes. This would be VB-17s first combat mission and test under fire for the Helldiver. On Novemas part of Task Force 38 the USS Bunker Hill was directed to strike the main Japanese base at Rabaul. CO LCDR James "Moe" Vose was a veteran and was assigned B-4 aircraft. MOD III seemed to fix the weak fuselage structure that formerly would buckle or break on landing. VB-17 was the first unit to take the new SB2C-1 MOD III into combat on board USS Bunker Hill. USN VB-17, USS Bunker Hill, Rabaul Island, November 11th 1943 Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA2201 Please see the product description for links to similar items we still have available. We regret this item is no longer available for sale. Hobby Master HA2201 - SB2C Helldiver Diecast Model, USN VB-17, USS Bunker Hill, Rabaul Island
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