| The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, also known as the Curtiss A-25 Shrike, was a dive bomber developed by Curtiss-Wright during World War II. As a carrier-based bomber with the United States Navy (USN), in Pacific theatres, it supplemented and replaced the Douglas SBD Dauntless. A few survivors are still in existence dotted in various museums around the world.
Initially poor handling characteristics and late modifications caused lengthy delays to production and deployment, to the extent that it was investigated by the Truman Committee, which turned in a scathing report. This contributed to the decline of Curtiss as a company. Nevertheless, the type was faster than the Dauntless, and by the end of the Pacific War, the Helldiver had become the main dive bomber and attack aircraft on USN carriers, with over 7000 being manufactured.
Nicknames for the aircraft included “Big-Tailed Beast” or just “Beast”, “Two-Cee”, and “Son-of-a-Bitch 2nd Class”; the latter nickname was derived from the name SB2C and the Shrike’s reputation for having difficult handling characteristics.
The Helldiver, however, could still deliver ordnance with more precision against specific targets than other types of US aircraft and its two-seat configuration permitted a second set of eyes. The Helldiver also had a significant advantage in range over a fighter while carrying a bombload, which is extremely important in naval operations.
After the war Helldivers were supplied to various airforces including France and Greece who used them extensively in post war conflicts.
This 1/30 scale model is one supplied to the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and is priced at $999 plus shipping. The K&C figures and TG mat are shown for display purposes only and are not included. |
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