SBW-1 Helldiver

The SBW‑1 Helldiver was the Canadian‑built version of the Douglas SBD‑2 dive bomber, produced under licence by Canadian Car and Foundry (CCF) during World II. First delivered in early 1942, the 1,200‑strong order supplied the Royal Canadian Air Force and several Allied squadrons operating from both Atlantic and Pacific fronts. The aircraft incorporated the same rugged airframe as its American counterpart, a low‑wing monoplane of all‑metal construction powered by a Wright R‑1820‑94 radial engine delivering 1,200 hp. Its distinctive split‑flap dive brakes allowed precise, steep attacks, while an internal bomb bay could carry a 1 000‑lb (455 kg) bomb or eight 60‑lb (27 kg) rockets. Defensive armament consisted of forward‑firing .30‑in machine guns and a rear .30‑in gun on a flexible mount. The SBW‑1 proved reliable in carrier‑based operations, earning a reputation for accuracy and survivability. Although only produced for a short span, the Helldiver highlighted Canadian industrial capability, marked the first major aircraft export for CCF, and contributed to the refinement of dive‑bombing tactics that influenced post‑war attack aircraft design. After the war, many SBW‑1s were converted to training and target‑towing roles, extending their service life into the early 1950s and cementing their place in Canadian aviation heritage.