Customer Reviews

Helldiver Units of World War 2 (Osprey Combat Aircraft 3)

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When aircrews nickname their aircraft 'the Beast' and 'Son of a Bitch, 2nd Class,' you gotta know that particular aircraft has problems. Such were the epithets given to the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver whose trouble-plagued World War II career is covered in this Osprey 'Combat Aircraft' book by noted aviation historian Barrett Tillman.

Designed to unrealistic Navy requirements in 1939 and ordered into production even before a prototype flew, the SB2C suffered endless setbacks in its initial development and still had major structural, material and operational defects and problems when it was introduced to fleet service in 1943! Though the design was steadily improved over the last two years of the war, no amount of tweaking could overcome the initial, flawed design.

The Helldiver's checkered career is aptly summarized by author Tillman who recounts the exploits of SB2C units from the aircraft's initial combat introduction in November 1943 with VB-17 to its final missions over Japan in 1945 with Bombing 1, 6, 16 and other squadrons.

Tillman's text, which includes first-person narratives from surviving Helldiver veterans, is complemented by dozens of photos that depict the Helldiver and its crews in action. Ten pages of color profiles by Tom Tullis capture the 'Beast' in all its portly glory.

Tillman states that the Helldiver destroyed more Japanese targets than any other dive bomber. Given its flawed design, that achievement speaks volumes about the men who climbed aboard the 'Beast' and took it in harm's way.

Bottom line: An excellent summary, well-illustrated and easy on the pocketbook. Recommended.

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For a more detailed look at the Helldiver, see Peter C. Smith's "Curtiss SB2C Helldiver" volume.