NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Prior to the start of the U.S. involvement in World War II, Grumman Aircraft answered a call to produce a new U.S. Navy carrier based torpedo bomber.
We are told that the Grumman Avenger went from design in March of 1941 to its first flight in August of 1941, just five months later.
It was the largest single engine airplane in service at the start of WW II. Pilots called the aircraft "Turkey" due to its homely looks, yet they liked it for its ruggedness.
Legend has it that the aircraft was named for avenging the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In actuality, it had already been named in October of 1941, two months prior to the attack.
The Grumman Avenger first saw action in mid-1942 after which it participated in virtually every major action in the Pacific.
They are credited with sinking the Japanese battleships Hiei, Musahi, Yamato, the aircraft carrier Ryujo, up to 32 enemy submarines, and countless other shipping.
The torpedo bomber was also used by the U.S.M.C., and numerous U.S. allies, including the Canadian Navy, and the Royal Navy.
When World War II ended, a number were enlisted as air tankers. Their ability to maneuver and dive at relatively slow speeds with heavy loads made them particularly suited to the task. Most were converted to be equipped with a 600 gallon retardant tank.
The air tankers continued in operation in the U. S. until 1973 when they started being replaced by more modern airplanes. To date some of the air tankers continue to operate in Canada.
A total of 7,546 Grumman Avenger TBM aircraft were manufactured by General Motors under license. Grumman manufactured an additional 2,290 TBF aircraft.
Post War Grumman Avenger Aircraft:
Glenn McBride writes: "Just thought you'd like to see the picture of a Grumman Avenger TBM outfitted for insecticide spraying operations in New Brunswick, Canada.
These were used from the late 50's to the late 90's to stop the spread of budworms in pine trees (as well as water bombing). In 1971 there were more than 40 aircraft operational.
Not a Radio Control Airplane
Grumman Avenger used for spraying.
Specifications
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Ordnance
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Pictured above is the rc Grumman Avenger TBM from a Dare Hobbies kit. It has a 41" wing span and a length of 30". Recommended power is a MPI geared 280 motor.
We have seen a rc Grumman Avenger with a 48" wingspan sold by Nitro Planes, but don't know if it is still available.
In the first picture below is a Grumman Avenger TBF radio control airplane built by Errol Wilson. It has a wingspan of 124". Errol powers it with a Quadra 200 engine. All weight is 55 lbs.
The second picture below is of Scott Vickery's rc Grumman Avenger TBM. It is built from a Skyshark kit. Wingspan is 72". It is 1/9 scale and has an all up weight of 12 lbs. Scott powers it with a Saito 100 engine. Skyshark recommends two stroke engines in the .60 to .89 range.
The next picture is of the giant scale rc Grumman Avenger TBM built by Firebar of RC Groups. Wingspan is 108". The length is 80". It is from a Charles Kellog design sold by Precision Cut Kits. Materials used are balsa and plywood. It is powered by a 3W 75i US engine.
All up weight is 38 lbs.
Pictured last is the Easy Tiger Models rc giant scale Grumman Avenger ARF. Its wingspan is 81" and weight is about 15 lbs. You can use either motor or engine power for the scale rc model airplane. It has a glass fuse, built up wings, and retractable landing gear.
Please email us if you can recommend another rc Grumman Avenger.
Grumman Avenger
