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During World War II, U.S. Navy bombing squadrons flew Helldiver dive-bombers against Japan from November 1943 to the war’s end in September 1945. After a prolonged development, about 30 Navy squadrons operated Helldivers aboard 13 carriers. Changes in carrier tactics, technology, and weapons made dive-bombing—delivering a bomb at a steep angle to increase accuracy—obsolete as the war progressed. The Helldiver was the last dive-bomber operated by the Navy and the last significant combat aircraft produced by Curtiss-Wright.

This Helldiver was completed in May 1945, but the war ended a few months later, and it never saw combat. From September through December 1945, Bombing Squadron (VB) 92 aboard the USS Lexington flew it in the western Pacific and occupied Japan. It served with various other Navy units until 1948 and entered the Museum collection in 1960.

Display Status

This object is on display in World War II German Aviation at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

World War II German Aviation
Object Details
Date 1945 Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Aircraft Manufacturer Curtiss Wright Corporation
Physical Description Single engine, two seat, folding wing, carrier based scout-bomber. Dimensions Overall: 13ft 2in., 10546.9lb. (4.013m, 4784kg)
Other: 13ft 2in. x 36ft 8in. x 49ft 9in. (4.013m x 11.176m x 15.164m)
Inventory Number A19610118000 Credit Line Transferred by the United States Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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