The Douglas “Dauntless” was the workhorse for the US Navy during the WWII. This “Slow but Deadly” dive-bomber was the only plane that had fight in every major Pacific conflicts. Although it had been considered obsolete in 1941 already, the Dauntless was used until 1944 and undertook the last major conflict in the Battle of Philippine Sea. A total of 5,936 SBDs were produced in WWII.
In February 1944 Cdr. David McCampbell was promoted to CAG (Commander – Air Group) Air Group 15. On board the USS Essex CV-9 the VF-15 were given the name “Satan's Playmates”. With 34 victories McCampbell became the USN top ace of all time and along with the actions of the other members of VF-15 the unit became known as “The Fabled Fifteen”. On October 24, 1944 McCampbell and another pilot took on overwhelming numbers of Japanese aircraft and managed to make them retreat but not before McCampbell claimed 9 of his 34 victories.
- Folding Wings
- Interchangeable Undercarriage
- Removable centre line tank
- 2 Bombs & 6 Rockets
- Rotating metal prop
- Sliding Canopy
- Rolling Wheels
- Realistic Pilot Figure