1/32 Douglas TBD-1 Devastator

The Douglas TBD-1 Devastator was the US Navy's first modern torpedo bomber, first flying in 1935 and entering service in 1937. When it was introduced, it was considered the most advanced airborne aircraft in the world - all-metal construction, retractable landing gear, enclosed cockpit and three-man crew represented a major advance over its predecessors. The machine was powered by a 900 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-64 Twin Wasp radial engine, which gave it a top speed of over 330 km/h and a range of up to 700 km with the Mark XIII torpedo.

The Devastator carried armament consisting of two 7.62 mm machine guns and a load of up to 800 kg of bombs or one torpedo. Its main advantage was stability during torpedo attacks, but rapid technical advances made it obsolete early in the war. Nevertheless, it formed the backbone of the US Navy's torpedo squadrons in the early years of the war in the Pacific.

It proved its capability in early operations, but during the Battle of Midway in June 1942, units equipped with the TBD-1 suffered catastrophic losses, with most aircraft shot down before the attack. These events marked the end of his combat career. In 1943, the type was finally replaced by the newer Grumman TBF Avenger.

The Trumpeter 1/32 Douglas TBD-1 Devastator kit offers an accurate and detailed miniature of this historically significant aircraft. The model features nine frames, plastic parts with fine surface details, a realistic cockpit, landing gear area and detailed engine with distinctive cowling. The kit also includes etched sheet metal, rubber tires and accurately sculpted wings and fuselage to match the real machine.

This model is an ideal choice for aviation history buffs and modelers who want to create a realistic replica of one of the most famous American aircraft of the early Pacific War.

The package does not include the paint or glue needed for assembly.