Fairchild SBF-3 Helldiver

Fairchild · Canada · first flew 1944 · bomber

The Fairchild SBF-3 Helldiver is the Canadian-built equivalent of the Curtiss SB2C-4, adding underwing rocket rails and improved weapons options to the standard Helldiver airframe. It was the most capable of Fairchild's Helldiver production variants.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	11.18 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Fairchild Canada SBF-3 corresponding to Curtiss SB2C-4
Rocket-rail capable wings and improved bomb gear
Wright R-2600-20 radial in broad cowling

Externally essentially identical to other Helldiver variants; the SBF-3 may be identified by the presence of rocket stub rails under the outer wing panels.

Specifications

The Fairchild SBF-3 Helldiver has a length of 11.18 m (37 ft).
It has a wingspan of 15.16 m (50 ft).
Its maximum speed is 472 km/h (293 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

As Helldiver production matured, successive variants incorporated operational improvements from fleet experience. The SBF-3 introduced the changes incorporated in the SB2C-4, including provisions for underwing HVAR rockets that made the Helldiver more versatile against surface targets. Fairchild Canada completed a significant number for Allied naval aviation.

Variants

The SBF-3 follows the SBF-1 and precedes the SBF-4E; all Fairchild variants are parallel to Curtiss-built blocks and are interchangeable with SBW equivalents from CCF.

Where you'll see it

Supplied to the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and allied naval air arms under wartime production agreements.

Related aircraft

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