Grumman TBF "Avenger"

PLANE TYPE Triple-seated embarked torpedo bomber (TBM-2) Despite of a bad starting, in June 1942 (from the mission only 1 plane returned on a total of 6), the TBF become rapidly the most important torpedo bomber of the US Navy during the second world war. Designed in 1940 to substitute the Devastator and to create a plane with major ratings and offensive/defensive capabilities, the "Avenger" was built totally in 9839 exemplars with few variants. The TBF-1 had a Wright R-2600-8 (1268 kW / 1723 CV) and was integrated by the TBM-1 of General Motors; the versions TBF-1C and TBM-1C had 2 more weapons on the wing. The most important version was the TBM-3 (built by the General Motors) with more power and was divided in more series as the TBF/TBM-1. The British called it "Tarpon" but they eventually called it "Avenger". It has remained in service until 1950.

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