SBD-1/2/3 differences?

[Nathan]

So what difference is there to the SBD-1, -2, and -3? I know all three versions were present at Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th. The flight of SBD's -2 and -3's from VS-6 and VB-6 that ended up flying into the Pearl Harbor attack. Ewa MCAS had -1 versions. And I beleive VMSB-241 at Midway operated SBD-2's at the Battle of Midway. Was this the last combat for the -2 versions?

Thanks.
Nathan

[Second Air Force]

Nathan,

The SBD-1 has a much larger intake fairing on top of the cowl than the -2 or 3. There are other differences, but I don't have my references handy. That prompts a question from me that maybe David Aiken could answer: Were all the Marine -1s at MCAS Ewa camouflaged or was the commander's airplane still in the prewar scheme?

Scott

[Nathan]

Thanks Scott. I noted the larger intake before but wasn't sure. I never really studied up on the SBD much. I know what SBD-1 your talking about. I think there might have been a few others in the overall light gray scheme. But not sure.

[Second Air Force]

The Ewa airplanes were almost all in the overall grey camo by 7 December. I have seen an aerial photo taken just after the attack that seems to show at least one SBD in the prewar scheme and I think it is the unit commander's airplane. I've got an Accurate Miniatures -1 that I'd like to build in that scheme.

There were a lot of internal differences between the -1 and -2. The early airplanes were assigned to the Marine Corps as they weren't fully combat-configured, if I recall correctly.

Scott

[jdvoss]

Here are some "Key" difference that I have been able to find for the variants.

SBD-1: All went to the USMC
SBD-2: All went to the USN but had a few changes over the -1 (e.g. greater range, autopilot, reduction in size of the carburetor intake scoop).

Note: The orders for the -1 and -2 were placed on the same day April 8, 1939

SBD-3:self-sealing fuel tanks, crew armour,armoured windshield,dual 30 cal in gunner position, flotation equipment removed.
SBD-4: main difference was the change to a 24 volt electrical system.

[mustangdriver]

The restored SBD on display at the NMNA was at Pear Harbor the morning of the attack, Battle of Coral Sea, and Battle of Midway. Pretty impressive history.

[SIDSIKO]

The information I have is as follows
SBD-1 Initial production model, with a 1000hp R-1820-32, three 0.3 inch guns, (two nose, one dorsal) and 1200lb of bombs. 57 built for the USMC.

SBD-2 As SBD-1 but with crew armour, self sealing fuel tanks, increased fuel capacity and underwing racks for 2 x 100lb bombs.

SBD-3 As SBD-2 but with detail improvements. 24 volt electrical system, two 0.5 inch nose guns, two 0.3 inch dorsal guns and 1600lb of bombs. 1000hp R-1820-52 engine.

SBD-4 As SBD-3 but with Hamilton Standard airscrew, electrical fuel pumps.

[shepsair]

The SBD-2 did not originally have self sealing fuel tanks or armour though would have been retrofitted later.

These items commenced in the SBD-3 and -2's were not used -at least by one carrier (during Coral or Midway) unless these mods had been undertaken.

regards

Mark

PS SBD-2P 2173 recovered from Lake Michigan in June originally did not have this equipment. On being rebuilt in late 1941 after crash these items (being installed on the -3) were fitted to 2173 as well and was therefore operated by VS-5 on USS Yorktown (CV-5)