Douglas SBD Dauntless

Working on vertical stabilizer of SBD • Photo © James Kohan

Forward section of SBD • Photo © Jim Bates

Aircraft Background:
World War II Naval Dive Bomber.

Aircraft's History:
Little is known about the wartime history of the SBD's at MAPS Air Museum.   What is known is that they were purchased from a Hollywood studio.  Following the war, the tail section of the aircraft was cut off forward of the vertical stabilizer and the aircraft was used as a wind machine when making motion pictures.  The entire tail section of the aircraft has been rebuilt.

Crew Chief: Don Wohlin

Crew Chief's Update (Restoration Progress):
The tail on SBD is coming together.  We're ready to do a test fit of the rudder on the aircraft, as you can see from photographs.  Work continues on the construction of rudders and we've begun re-installing control cable pulleys in the rear fuselage.

Jig used to rebuild SBD#2 elevators • Photo © Gary Haught

internal structure of the vertical stabilizer • Photo © Dave Hyman

vertical stabilizer with skin back on • Photo © James Kohan

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: . 41' 6 
Length: 
Height: .
Weight: 10,360 lbs
Engine: Wright 1820-32/1820-52
Cost:

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 250 mph
Cruising speed: 
Range:  1,125 miles
Service Ceiling: