The Douglas SBD Dauntless was one of the truly great aircraft of World War II. It played a major role throughout the Pacific. On June 4, 1942, during the Battle of Midway, SBDs destroyed four Japanese carriers, dramatically altering the course of the war.

The SBD's design was based on the Northrop BT-1, but with engine and structural changes. Production orders were placed in April 1939, with all SBD-1s going to U.S. Marine Corps units. Subsequent models were sent to Navy squadrons, with each succeeding model carrying such improvements as increased fuel capacity, illuminated gunsights, and armor plates for the crew. England, New Zealand, and France also used SBDs. The SBD-6 was the last production model, with 450 built.

This SBD-6 carries the markings of VS-51 (Navy scout squadron), which operated in the Pacific during World War II.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Date

1940

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft

Manufacturer

Douglas Aircraft Company

Physical Description

Single engine, low wing, carrier based scout/dive bomber.Both sides of fuselage: "109," U. S. star and bar insignia. On the tail, "Navy" and U. S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics number "54605" and "SBD-4" in white. Wings have U. S. star and bar insignia.
Wing Span 16.51 meters (650 in.), Length 12.42 meters (489 in.), Height 4.19 meters (165 in.), Weight 4,788 kg (10,556 lb)

Dimensions

Overall: 12 ft. 11 in. × 33 ft., 6959lb., 40 ft. 9 in. (3.937m × 10.058m, 3156.6kg, 12.421m)

Materials

Metal, plastic, fabric

Inventory Number

A19610109000

Credit Line

Transferred from the United States Navy.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.

You may also like