I've been thinking about something Portsmouth Bill said in my other thread, about using the SBD on my 1943 incarnation of the Medusa and how by that time the SBD was getting a bit long in the tooth. I didn't think about it much then, but got to thinking some about it earlier today, and while I was at work.
So, I have a few candidates to fill the position of Carrier based dive bomber, to be ready for deployment in 1943. The candidates are:
SB2C Helldiver
Pros:
- good range
- good bombload
- Decent speed
Cons:
- It wasn't called the "Son of a Bitch 2nd Class" for nothing. Most every pilot who flew it hated it from what I've read.
SB2A Buccaneer
Pros:
- Good range
- Decent bombload
- decent speed
Cons:
- I don't have much info on this aircraft as it seems to have been overshadowed by the Helldiver.
TBY Sea Wolf
Pros:
- Excellent range
- Large bombload
- Good speed
- Radar equipped
Cons:
- Again, not much info as the prototypes kept having unfortunate incidents unrelated to the design, plus construction of the assembly plant was delayed. The aircraft was actually deemed superior to the Helldiver, but since it didn't become operational until much later than planned, most all squadrons had already been equipped by Helldivers and it has been largely forgotten by history.
Navalized A-31 Vengeance
Pros:
- Adequate speed
- decent bombload
- Excellent dive bomb handling characteristics
Cons:
- the "nose up" attitude in normal flight gave the pilot poor forward view. Difficult to land on a carrier.
I'd like some opinions please. My own personal choice would be for the Sea Wolf, but I am willing to entertain suggestions, discussion and arguments pro or con.