Difference between revisions of "SBD-3"

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{{Specs-Card|code=sbd-3}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=sbd-3
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_sbd-3.jpg
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_SBD-3.jpg|450px|thumbnail|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_SBD-3.jpg|450px|thumbnail|left]]
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
The '''SBD-3 Dauntless''' is a Rank I American dive bomber with a battle rating of 2.0 (AB), 2.3 (RB), and 1.7 (SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American dive bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
====Stat card====
+
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
As a dive bomber, it has very good dive characteristics and manoeuvres decently at most speeds. Although the engine is relatively weak, it could be WEP-ed for a long time before it reaches the overheating stage. This is not an aircraft which you will want to fly at high altitudes but should remain lower where it is a capable dive bomber.
|-
+
 
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,500 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,500 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 418 || 407 || 5,700 || 26.8 || 27.4 || 6.6 || 7.7 || 291
+
! Stock
 +
| 422 || 409 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.6 || 27.8 || 7.9 || 7.8 || rowspan="2" | 291
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
|-
+
| 456 || 439 || 24.3 || 25.5 || 14.3 || 9.8
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,500 m)
 
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
| 456 || 439 || 5,700 || 24.3 || 25.5 || 14.3 || 9.8 || 291
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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[[File:Kette of SBD.jpg|thumbnail|right|A trio of Dauntlesses in formation.]]
 
[[File:Kette of SBD.jpg|thumbnail|right|A trio of Dauntlesses in formation.]]
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flap
 
! Landing flap
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓  
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 700 || 450 || 520 || ~11 || ~11
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 520 || 520 || 320 || ~11 || ~11
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 350 || < 350 || < 380 || > 250
 
| < 350 || < 350 || < 380 || > 250
Line 107: Line 82:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 1,324 m || 950 hp || 1,000 hp  
+
| 1,324 m || 950 hp || 1,000 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
Line 115: Line 90:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 4,777 m || 800 hp || 842 hp  
+
| 4,777 m || 800 hp || 842 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 171: Line 146:
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 38 mm bulletproof glass in the windshield
 +
* 12.7 mm steel pilot seat
 +
* 12.7 mm steel protecting the gunner
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
The SBD-3 ''Dauntless'' is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 2 x 12.7 mm [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|M2 Browning]] machine gun, nose-mounted (180 rpg = 360 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (180 rpg = 360 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|Bombs}}
+
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|Type A Mark I mine|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
The options available for the SBD-3 are:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb
+
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (340 rpg = 1360 total)
+
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (gunpods) (340 rpg = 1,360 total)
 +
* 1 x Type A Mark I mine
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
<!--''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
The SBD-3 ''Dauntless'' has a defensive armament with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
* 2 x 7.62 mm [[Browning (7.62 mm)|Browning]] machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
+
* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
This plane is good at what it was designed for: Dive Bombing. Start at a high altitude at around 4-5,000 feet, fly directly above the target, invert the plane, cut throttle and deploy airbreaks (h key by default), dive, at 1,000-700 feet release bombs, pull nose up, retract air brakes, push throttle to full, then pitch up in a climb.
+
The Dauntless is an underrated aircraft, as it is viewed as a weak and sluggish bomber by a majority of tier 1 players. Use this to your advantage by catching unsuspecting bombers and fighters. Its manoeuvrability is good enough to energy fight the enemy. You should try to keep your speed higher than 200 km/h and stay at altitudes lower than 2km.
  
Do not rely on fighter support, and if you do get into a firefight with fighter planes, stay at treetop level, so they cannot get to your weak underbelly. If you are caught at high altitude, go into a steep dive until you are at the deck, there is a good chance you may out dive them. If you are in realistic battles, do the same and throw the plane into high G turns while on the deck, it's very likely that your wings will stay intact due to the high G tolerance of the SBD but the fighters attempting to follow, will either break their wings or be forced to break off the attack. At this point, the twin .50 caliber guns in the engine cowling may come in handy.
+
This plane is good at what it was designed for Dive Bombing. Start at a high altitude at around 4-5,000 feet, fly directly above the target, invert the plane, cut the throttle and deploy airbrakes (h key by default), dive, at 1,000-700 feet release bombs, pull the nose up, retract air brakes, push the throttle to full, then pitch up in a climb.
  
 
The small bomb load requires you pick your targets carefully and make your bombs count, choose to attack artillery positions or bases, where you have a higher chance of hitting due to their stationary position. Ships are also prime targets (it is what it was designed for), as the 1000lb bomb is plenty to sink a small ship.
 
The small bomb load requires you pick your targets carefully and make your bombs count, choose to attack artillery positions or bases, where you have a higher chance of hitting due to their stationary position. Ships are also prime targets (it is what it was designed for), as the 1000lb bomb is plenty to sink a small ship.
  
'''''Simulator mode procedures'''''<br>
+
Do not rely on fighter support when focusing on ground targets. After you drop your bombs, the plane should be manoeuvrable enough to dogfight enemies. You should stay on deck and manoeuvre wisely to not expose your weak underbelly. If you are caught at high altitude, go into a steep dive until you are at the deck, there is a good chance you may out dive them. If you cannot lose the enemy, try to quickly turn to your enemy's direction. your high G tolerance is equal, if not better than most enemies so you could lose them if they cant follow your turn.
Hands-off carrier take-off (Auto engine control): Start engine, flaps: raised, elevator trim: 15%, aileron trim: 11%, rudder trim: 6%, WEP throttle, hands off controls until you lift off the carrier.
+
 
 +
'''''Realistic Mode Procedures'''''
 +
 
 +
With the gun pods attached, you could act as menacing fighter support. With a high altitude spawn, try to hunt bombers first before you consider killing fighters. climb up to 4,500 meters to get your max speed so you can dive down to the bombers. After eliminating a bomber or two, you should find that your allies are starting to engage the enemy. You could help them by catching enemies that are turning, have low speed, or attacking an ally. It should be easy to do all of this because of your energy advantage. You are still marked as a bomber, so enemies will surely consider you as an easy kill. You can not outrun them, but you can turn very well at almost every speed except stall. If they are coming from behind, a sudden reverse would be a good manoeuvre to throw them off. After that, you could either perform a head-on or fly under the enemy to avoid them. Avoid rushing upwards to maintain speed. Combine all of that with good trigger discipline, it is possible to achieve a five kill game.
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
'''''Simulator mode procedures'''''
 +
 
 +
Hands-off carrier take-off (Auto engine control): Start the engine, flaps: raised, elevator trim: 15%, aileron trim: 11%, rudder trim: 6%, WEP throttle, hands-off controls until you lift off the carrier.
 +
 
 +
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 +
 
 +
[[Yak-2 KABB]]: Do not think that the {{PAGENAME}} can confidently out maneuver this plane just because it is twin-engined. The Yak-2 has an amazing turn rate for a heavy fighter, thus the {{PAGENAME}} must avoid turning with it, if not dogfighting with it in general. It bears a pair of ShVAK cannons that can easily damage vital parts like engine or cooling systems. It has green camo, greatly resembling an Me 410 but with an H-tail like a Bf 110's.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! Survivability
 +
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Turret 7 mm
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 +
| DGP-1
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil
+
| III
! Water
+
| Wings repair
! Type
+
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 12 mm
 +
|Mk 12 Mod 0
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Automatic pitch || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 12 mm MGs
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
* It has two powerful machine guns compared to its peers, meaning you can effectively hunt down low-tier bombers and in most situations, be a quasi-fighter aircraft.
+
 
* Its bombs are powerful enough to destroy packed enemy ground vehicles.
+
* Gets a bomber spawn which really makes up for its performance
* Its maneuverability is good enough to attack enemy bombers.
+
* Can turn with most enemy fighters on its rank
* Tail gunner has excellent coverage, almost a perfect 180 degrees on a horizontal plane.
+
* It has two powerful machine guns that are centrally mounted, meaning you can effectively hunt down low-tier bombers and in most situations, be a quasi-fighter aircraft
* Can "pullout" from a 60 degree dive quite effectively.
+
* Its bombs are powerful enough to destroy packed enemy ground vehicles
* Tail gun also has plenty of ammunition.
+
* Its manoeuvrability is good enough to attack enemy bombers and support friendly fighters
* Can be used as a fighter when needed.
+
* Tail gunner has excellent coverage, almost a perfect 180 degrees on a horizontal plane
* Can mount two dual .50 Cal gunpods instead of bombs for increased firepower, giving it comparable armament to U.S fighters.
+
* Can "pullout" from a 60-degree dive quite effectively
 +
* Tail gun also has plenty of ammunition
 +
* Can be used as a fighter when needed
 +
* Can increase the total firepower to 6 .50 cals, one of the earliest plane that has six M2 Brownings
 +
* Good firepower, enough to make quick kills on planes and ground targets alike. Extremely useful for attacking weakly armoured tanks
 +
* Decent dive characteristics
 +
* Will not break its wing on high G turns up to 600 km/h
 +
 
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
* It is still a dive bomber, so it's maneuverability is still poor by definition.
+
 
* Low ammo capacity for the nose-mounted machine guns.
+
* It is still a dive bomber, so its manoeuvrability is limited by its poor energy retention
* The tail gunner won't do so much, because he is too exposed and the 2x7.62 aren't powerful enough to destroy planes of its tier.
+
* Low ammo capacity for the nose-mounted machine guns
* Limited selection of bombs, only one payload is available to choose from.
+
* The tail gunner won't do so much, because he is too exposed and the 2 x 7.62 is not powerful enough to destroy planes of its tier
* Slow acceleration.
+
* Limited selection of bombs, only one payload is available to choose from
* Poor climb rate.
+
* Slow acceleration
* Poor energy retention.
+
* Poor climb rate
* Slow.
+
* Poor energy retention
 +
* Slow speed
 +
* WEP only works on low altitude
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
First flight recorded 1st of may 1940. Retired 1959. Produced from 1940-1944 Top speed 410 kmh/254.7 mph. 1,200 hp engine. Length 33 feet. Wing span is roughly 41 feet. Empty weight 6,404 lb/ 2,905 kg. Gross weight is 10,400 lb/ 4,245 kg. Bomb load is 1,200 lb/ 544 kg.
 +
 
 +
The SBD-3 also known as the Dauntless is an American dive-bomber from the early 1940s. It was a carrier-based aircraft which was used for scouting and bombing. This plane is most famous for it's contribution to the battle of midway. This battle was the first major naval offensive (although before it the Americans had tried many more this was the first ''Successful'' venture) of which four Japanese carriers were sunk.
 +
 
 +
Naval officers and other military personnel gave this the nickname Slow But Deadly because of the SBD. Although true this plane was slow it was extremely good at manoeuvrability. This aircraft is a 2 man crew, so when going into and out of a dive the pilot wouldn't have to check the altitude saving him time, though that was not the only use of the gunner/radioman he would cover the pilot shooting down any Zeros who would come behind his plane and he would send radio messages to the carrier if the pilot is too busy.
 +
 
 +
These incredible planes all saw service in the United States Navy, United States Army Air Corps, United States Marine Corps and the Free French Air Force. There were 5,936 SBD-3 made; unfortunately, only four or five original US Navy planes survive today with the rest being replicas.
 +
 
 +
=== In-game description ===
 +
A carrier-based dive-bomber/reconnaissance aircraft.
 +
 
 +
The most well-known U.S. Navy bomber, and perhaps the most significant dive-bomber of the war. Despite the fact that the decision to write off the SBD as outdated was made before the war, the bomber was still actively involved in combat, and in 1942 it sunk more enemy ships than all other Navy aircraft combined.
 +
 
 +
Originally, the series was called the XBT, and showed as many innovations as it did drawbacks. This aircraft had a revolutionary honeycomb wing structure and a reasonably small fuselage. But its wings could not be folded, and occasionally it would spontaneously go into a barrel roll, which caused a series of catastrophic accidents. After intensive research in conjunction with NACA, the dive-bomber was radically redesigned, most of its shortcomings were removed, and it was named the Scout Bomber.
 +
 
 +
The SBD-3 variant was a Scout Bomber which was finally fit for combat. It had self-sealing fuel tanks, armor, and bulletproof cockpit glass. To keep its performance characteristics, the aircraft's weight was reduced by replacing its duralumin sheeting with a much lighter material. Also, all the equipment designed to keep the plane afloat in the event of a water landing was removed.
 +
 
 +
Soldiers dubbed the SBD the "Slow But Deadly". This aircraft destroyed the pride of the Japanese carrier force at the Battle of Midway, inflicting damage from which the Japanese Imperial Navy was never able to recover.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=#23SBD '''Skins''' for the Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless from live.warthunder.com.]<br>
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/images/?q=#23SBD '''Images''' of the Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=#23SBD Skins and camouflages for the Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|rnfxWsXct9E|'''The Shooting Range #12''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:47 discusses the Douglas SBD Dauntless.}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
== Read also ==
 
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
''ETC.''-->
 
[http://warthunder.com/en/news/4442-profile-sbd-3-dauntless-slow-but-deadly-en/ [Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> SBD-3 Dauntless - Slow But Deadly]
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
 
{{USA bombers}}
 
{{USA bombers}}

Revision as of 21:25, 24 November 2020

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
SBD-3
sbd-3.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/a/a0/Cockpit_sbd-3.jpg
SBD-3
Research:3 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
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Description

GarageImage SBD-3.jpg


The SBD-3 Dauntless is a rank I American dive bomber with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB/SB) and 2.0 (RB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

General info

Flight performance

As a dive bomber, it has very good dive characteristics and manoeuvres decently at most speeds. Although the engine is relatively weak, it could be WEP-ed for a long time before it reaches the overheating stage. This is not an aircraft which you will want to fly at high altitudes but should remain lower where it is a capable dive bomber.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,500 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 422 409 5700 26.6 27.8 7.9 7.8 291
Upgraded 456 439 24.3 25.5 14.3 9.8
A trio of Dauntlesses in formation.

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
740 450 520 520 320 ~11 ~11
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 350 < 350 < 380 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,324 m 950 hp 1,000 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,777 m 800 hp 842 hp

Engine performance

Engine
Engine Name Number present
Wright Cyclone R-1820-52 9-cylinder 1
Engine characteristics
Weight (each) Type Cooling
907 kg Radial Air
Engine power (Stock)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 889 hp 939 hp
Realistic/Simulator 879 hp 930 hp
Engine power (Upgraded)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 1,023 hp 1,074 hp
Realistic/Simulator 950 hp 1,000 hp
WEP Duration
Arcade Realistic/Simulator
25 seconds Infinite

Survivability and armour

  • 38 mm bulletproof glass in the windshield
  • 12.7 mm steel pilot seat
  • 12.7 mm steel protecting the gunner
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The SBD-3 is armed with:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (180 rpg = 360 total)

Suspended armament

The SBD-3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
  • 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (gunpods) (340 rpg = 1,360 total)
  • 1 x Type A Mark I mine

Defensive armament

Main article: Browning (7.62 mm)

The SBD-3 is defended by:

  • 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)

Usage in battles

The Dauntless is an underrated aircraft, as it is viewed as a weak and sluggish bomber by a majority of tier 1 players. Use this to your advantage by catching unsuspecting bombers and fighters. Its manoeuvrability is good enough to energy fight the enemy. You should try to keep your speed higher than 200 km/h and stay at altitudes lower than 2km.

This plane is good at what it was designed for Dive Bombing. Start at a high altitude at around 4-5,000 feet, fly directly above the target, invert the plane, cut the throttle and deploy airbrakes (h key by default), dive, at 1,000-700 feet release bombs, pull the nose up, retract air brakes, push the throttle to full, then pitch up in a climb.

The small bomb load requires you pick your targets carefully and make your bombs count, choose to attack artillery positions or bases, where you have a higher chance of hitting due to their stationary position. Ships are also prime targets (it is what it was designed for), as the 1000lb bomb is plenty to sink a small ship.

Do not rely on fighter support when focusing on ground targets. After you drop your bombs, the plane should be manoeuvrable enough to dogfight enemies. You should stay on deck and manoeuvre wisely to not expose your weak underbelly. If you are caught at high altitude, go into a steep dive until you are at the deck, there is a good chance you may out dive them. If you cannot lose the enemy, try to quickly turn to your enemy's direction. your high G tolerance is equal, if not better than most enemies so you could lose them if they cant follow your turn.

Realistic Mode Procedures

With the gun pods attached, you could act as menacing fighter support. With a high altitude spawn, try to hunt bombers first before you consider killing fighters. climb up to 4,500 meters to get your max speed so you can dive down to the bombers. After eliminating a bomber or two, you should find that your allies are starting to engage the enemy. You could help them by catching enemies that are turning, have low speed, or attacking an ally. It should be easy to do all of this because of your energy advantage. You are still marked as a bomber, so enemies will surely consider you as an easy kill. You can not outrun them, but you can turn very well at almost every speed except stall. If they are coming from behind, a sudden reverse would be a good manoeuvre to throw them off. After that, you could either perform a head-on or fly under the enemy to avoid them. Avoid rushing upwards to maintain speed. Combine all of that with good trigger discipline, it is possible to achieve a five kill game.

Simulator mode procedures

Hands-off carrier take-off (Auto engine control): Start the engine, flaps: raised, elevator trim: 15%, aileron trim: 11%, rudder trim: 6%, WEP throttle, hands-off controls until you lift off the carrier.

Enemies worth noting:

Yak-2 KABB: Do not think that the SBD-3 can confidently out maneuver this plane just because it is twin-engined. The Yak-2 has an amazing turn rate for a heavy fighter, thus the SBD-3 must avoid turning with it, if not dogfighting with it in general. It bears a pair of ShVAK cannons that can easily damage vital parts like engine or cooling systems. It has green camo, greatly resembling an Me 410 but with an H-tail like a Bf 110's.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Controllable
Auto control available
Separate Controllable
2 gears
Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Turret 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs (turret) DGP-1
III Wings repair Engine Offensive 12 mm Mk 12 Mod 0
IV Engine injection Cover New 12 mm MGs

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Gets a bomber spawn which really makes up for its performance
  • Can turn with most enemy fighters on its rank
  • It has two powerful machine guns that are centrally mounted, meaning you can effectively hunt down low-tier bombers and in most situations, be a quasi-fighter aircraft
  • Its bombs are powerful enough to destroy packed enemy ground vehicles
  • Its manoeuvrability is good enough to attack enemy bombers and support friendly fighters
  • Tail gunner has excellent coverage, almost a perfect 180 degrees on a horizontal plane
  • Can "pullout" from a 60-degree dive quite effectively
  • Tail gun also has plenty of ammunition
  • Can be used as a fighter when needed
  • Can increase the total firepower to 6 .50 cals, one of the earliest plane that has six M2 Brownings
  • Good firepower, enough to make quick kills on planes and ground targets alike. Extremely useful for attacking weakly armoured tanks
  • Decent dive characteristics
  • Will not break its wing on high G turns up to 600 km/h

Cons:

  • It is still a dive bomber, so its manoeuvrability is limited by its poor energy retention
  • Low ammo capacity for the nose-mounted machine guns
  • The tail gunner won't do so much, because he is too exposed and the 2 x 7.62 is not powerful enough to destroy planes of its tier
  • Limited selection of bombs, only one payload is available to choose from
  • Slow acceleration
  • Poor climb rate
  • Poor energy retention
  • Slow speed
  • WEP only works on low altitude

History

First flight recorded 1st of may 1940. Retired 1959. Produced from 1940-1944 Top speed 410 kmh/254.7 mph. 1,200 hp engine. Length 33 feet. Wing span is roughly 41 feet. Empty weight 6,404 lb/ 2,905 kg. Gross weight is 10,400 lb/ 4,245 kg. Bomb load is 1,200 lb/ 544 kg.

The SBD-3 also known as the Dauntless is an American dive-bomber from the early 1940s. It was a carrier-based aircraft which was used for scouting and bombing. This plane is most famous for it's contribution to the battle of midway. This battle was the first major naval offensive (although before it the Americans had tried many more this was the first Successful venture) of which four Japanese carriers were sunk.

Naval officers and other military personnel gave this the nickname Slow But Deadly because of the SBD. Although true this plane was slow it was extremely good at manoeuvrability. This aircraft is a 2 man crew, so when going into and out of a dive the pilot wouldn't have to check the altitude saving him time, though that was not the only use of the gunner/radioman he would cover the pilot shooting down any Zeros who would come behind his plane and he would send radio messages to the carrier if the pilot is too busy.

These incredible planes all saw service in the United States Navy, United States Army Air Corps, United States Marine Corps and the Free French Air Force. There were 5,936 SBD-3 made; unfortunately, only four or five original US Navy planes survive today with the rest being replicas.

In-game description

A carrier-based dive-bomber/reconnaissance aircraft.

The most well-known U.S. Navy bomber, and perhaps the most significant dive-bomber of the war. Despite the fact that the decision to write off the SBD as outdated was made before the war, the bomber was still actively involved in combat, and in 1942 it sunk more enemy ships than all other Navy aircraft combined.

Originally, the series was called the XBT, and showed as many innovations as it did drawbacks. This aircraft had a revolutionary honeycomb wing structure and a reasonably small fuselage. But its wings could not be folded, and occasionally it would spontaneously go into a barrel roll, which caused a series of catastrophic accidents. After intensive research in conjunction with NACA, the dive-bomber was radically redesigned, most of its shortcomings were removed, and it was named the Scout Bomber.

The SBD-3 variant was a Scout Bomber which was finally fit for combat. It had self-sealing fuel tanks, armor, and bulletproof cockpit glass. To keep its performance characteristics, the aircraft's weight was reduced by replacing its duralumin sheeting with a much lighter material. Also, all the equipment designed to keep the plane afloat in the event of a water landing was removed.

Soldiers dubbed the SBD the "Slow But Deadly". This aircraft destroyed the pride of the Japanese carrier force at the Battle of Midway, inflicting damage from which the Japanese Imperial Navy was never able to recover.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Douglas Aircraft Company
Strike Aircraft  A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H
Bombers  TBD-1 · B-18A · SBD-3 · BTD-1 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT
Turboprops  A2D-1
Jet Aircraft  F3D-1 · F4D-1
A-4 Skyhawk  A-4B · A-4E Early
Export  ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7 · ▂A-20G-30 · ▄AD-4 · ▄AD-4NA
A-4 Skyhawk  A-4H · A-4E Early (M) · Ayit · A-4E
  The Douglas Aircraft Company merged with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas.

USA bombers
Dive  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3 · SBD-3 · SB2C-1C · SB2C-4
Torpedo  TBD-1 · PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina · TBF-1C · BTD-1
Medium  B-10B · B-18A · B-34 · PV-2D · B-25J-1 · B-25J-20 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT · B-26B
Heavy  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE · PB4Y-2 · B-24D-25-CO · B-29A-BN
Hydroplanes  OS2U-1 · OS2U-3 · PBM-1 "Mariner" · PBM-3 "Mariner"