Curtiss SB2C Helldiver at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center. Not well-loved, the Helldiver nevertheless became a mainstay of the Pacific air war, with the slightly unflattering nickname of 'sonofab*tch second class'. Over 7,000 were built, and interestingly when she was supplied to the British, A&AEE were scathing in their assessment, reporting 'appalling handling' - she never saw action with the Fleet Air Arm. #ww2 #ww2history #pacific #pacificwar #warbirds | Daniel J Wheatcroft

“A ‘Helldiver turtle deck’ refers to the collapsible rear fairing on the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver aircraft, designed to fold down for the rear gunner’s unobstructed firing arc, allowing easy use of the dorsal machine guns; it’s a key feature in aviation history. 🤯#pilot #aviation #fly #flight #airplane #aircraft #military #museum #warbird | Aviatress Alyssa

The World's Last Flying Curtiss SB2C Helldiver! There's something magical about seeing those wings fold down and the roar of the engine. Pilot Ed Vessly was kind enough to stop for a quick chat before flying the Helldiver home to Texas #museums #history #learn #wwii #pilots #aviationgeek #WingsMuseum #airforce #navy Commemorative Air Force Housting Wing Commemorative Air Force SB2C Helldiver U.S. Navy | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver | Uretsky Aviation