Grumman TBF Avenger
Grumman / General Motors · United States · first flew 1941 · bomber
The Grumman TBF Avenger was the US Navy's standard carrier-based torpedo bomber of World War II, carrying its torpedo or bombs in a distinctive deep internal bay. Produced in enormous numbers by Grumman and General Motors (as the TBM), it served on every major Allied carrier.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Deep fuselage housing an internal weapons bay for a torpedo or bombs |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Deep fuselage housing an internal weapons bay for a torpedo or bombs
- Large Wright Cyclone radial engine with a prominent cowling
- Three-crew USN carrier torpedo bomber — folding wings for carrier storage
The very deep, almost box-like fuselage housing the weapons bay is unmistakable; the large radial engine, greenhouse canopy over three crew, and folding wings are all characteristic.
Specifications
- The Grumman TBF Avenger has a length of 12.48 m (41 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.51 m (54 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 444 km/h (276 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1941 and entering combat disastrously at Midway (where five of six were shot down on the first strike), the Avenger went on to become a highly effective and durable platform. Over 9,800 were built; it was also operated by Britain, New Zealand, and Canada under Lend-Lease.
Variants
The TBF-1 was the Grumman-built original; TBM-3 was the principal General Motors variant with uprated engine; post-war TBM-3W, 3E, and 3S variants served in ASW roles into the 1960s.
Where you'll see it
US Navy, Royal Navy (as Tarpon and Avenger), RNZAF, and RCAF in WWII; post-war ASW and utility service in multiple navies, including Canada into the early 1960s.
Related aircraft
- Avro Lancaster
- Avro Lancaster B.I
- Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress
- Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Woomera
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