The story
The Avenger was a torpedo bomber built like a truck: a barrel of a fuselage with room for three crew, an internal bomb bay and a gun turret behind the canopy. Most were built by General Motors, which is why so many carry the name TBM. After the war they dropped fire retardant and sprayed forests for decades. Dozens survive, a good number still flying at airshows.
Grumman was showing the new Avenger to the public at its factory on 7 December 1941 when the news of Pearl Harbor arrived.
Quick answers
How do you identify a TBF/TBM Avenger?
Fat, deep fuselage, a long glass canopy for three, and a round gun turret right behind it. Big wings that fold back along the sides on the ground.
What does a TBF/TBM Avenger sound like?
A big Wright Cyclone radial: a heavy, rumbling growl, slower and deeper than a fighter.
How fast is the TBF/TBM Avenger?
Top speed is 242 kts.
How many people does the TBF/TBM Avenger carry?
Typical configuration: Pilot, gunner, radioman.
How big is the TBF/TBM Avenger?
It is 40 ft 0 in long and 54 ft 2 in across the wings.
When did the TBF/TBM Avenger first fly?
Its first flight was in 1941.
How many TBF/TBM Avengers have been built?
9,839 built.
What do crews call the TBF/TBM Avenger?
The Turkey.
How rare is a TBF/TBM Avenger in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first TBF/TBM Avenger catch is worth 250 points.
