Canadian Car and Foundry SBW-5 Helldiver

Canadian Car and Foundry · Canada · first flew 1945 · bomber

The Canadian Car and Foundry SBW-5 is the final production variant of CCF's Helldiver line, corresponding to the Curtiss SB2C-5 with increased internal fuel capacity for extended range operations in the Pacific theatre. It was among the last Helldivers delivered before the end of World War II.

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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Final CCF Helldiver variant, equivalent to SB2C-5
Increased internal fuel capacity over previous marks
Wright R-2600-20 radial, clean standard-day attack configuration

Externally identical to the standard-day SBW variants; the increased fuel capacity is an internal change not visible from outside the aircraft.

Specifications

The Canadian Car and Foundry SBW-5 Helldiver has a length of 11.18 m (37 ft).
It has a wingspan of 15.16 m (50 ft).
Its maximum speed is 474 km/h (295 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

The SBW-5 incorporated the SB2C-5's expanded fuel tankage, extending combat radius to improve utility in Pacific island-hopping campaigns. CCF delivered a relatively small batch before the Japanese surrender in August 1945 rendered further production unnecessary, and many were cancelled or scrapped.

Variants

The SBW-5 is the final CCF production mark; there is no SBW-6 equivalent. Together with the Curtiss SB2C-5, it represents the ultimate Helldiver production standard.

Where you'll see it

Intended for British Pacific Fleet carriers; the war's end meant limited operational service before the type was retired.

Related aircraft

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