Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver

The Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver was the United States Navy’s primary carrier‑based dive bomber during the latter part of World War II. Developed by Curtiss Aircraft as a replacement for the aging Douglas SBD Dauntless, the SB2C first flew in 1940 and entered service in 1943. The -3 variant incorporated a more powerful Wright R‑2600‑20 radial engine delivering 1,700 hp, a redesigned fuselage with a reinforced wing structure, and improved armor for crew protection. Its wing span measured 46 feet and it could carry a 2,000‑pound bomb load, a 1,000‑pound torpedo, or a combination of rockets and ammunition. The aircraft featured hydraulic dive brakes, a semi‑monocoque aluminum skin, and a retractable landing gear that reduced drag during carrier operations. Although early production suffered from handling problems and a reputation for being difficult to fly, continual modifications restored reliability and allowed the Helldiver to participate in key actions such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the invasion of Okinawa. The SB2C‑3 demonstrated the transition to higher‑speed, heavier‑payload carrier aircraft and influenced post‑war naval aviation design, marking the end of the classic biplane‑era dive bomber.