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The Douglas Aircraft Company’s World War II-era XTB2D-1 Skypirate torpedo bomber was a giant of a carrier-based aircraft. Measuring 46 feet long and 22 feet high, the aircraft's wingspan was a truly impressive 70 feet. By comparison, the jet-powered A-3 Skywarrior — the heaviest airplane to ever operate regularly from an aircraft carrier — had a wingspan only slightly longer at 72 feet, 5 inches. In its final concept, the XTB2D-1 was indeed colossal. It featured an aforementioned wingspan of around 70 feet — with a total wing area of 605 square feet. Its huge slab-sided tail was a full six feet taller than the Avenger's. This was substantially more than the Avenger's 54 foot span. The aircraft boasted an empty weight of 18,405 pounds and a maximum weight of 34,760 pounds. In terms of performance, the XTB2D-1 had a maximum speed of 340 miles per hour, reduced to 312 miles per hour when carrying torpedos. Its cruise speed was 168 miles per hour. The service ceiling for the aircraft was 24,500 feet, while its maximum range was 2,880 miles — 1,250 miles with torpedoes.
I always liked this airplane and kinda wish it had seen some use.
The Douglas Aircraft Company’s World War II-era XTB2D-1 Skypirate torpedo bomber was a giant of a carrier-based aircraft. Measuring 46 feet long and 22 feet high, the aircraft's wingspan was a truly impressive 70 feet. By comparison, the jet-powered A-3 Skywarrior — the heaviest airplane to ever operate regularly from an aircraft carrier — had a wingspan only slightly longer at 72 feet, 5 inches. In its final concept, the XTB2D-1 was indeed colossal. It featured an aforementioned wingspan of around 70 feet — with a total wing area of 605 square feet. Its huge slab-sided tail was a full six feet taller than the Avenger's. This was substantially more than the Avenger's 54 foot span. The aircraft boasted an empty weight of 18,405 pounds and a maximum weight of 34,760 pounds. In terms of performance, the XTB2D-1 had a maximum speed of 340 miles per hour, reduced to 312 miles per hour when carrying torpedos. Its cruise speed was 168 miles per hour. The service ceiling for the aircraft was 24,500 feet, while its maximum range was 2,880 miles — 1,250 miles with torpedoes.
I always liked this airplane and kinda wish it had seen some use.
statistics: Posted by Rebcop — 32 minutes ago — Replies 0 — Views 4