Douglas XTB2D Skypirate

Douglas XTB2D Skypirate			Photo Gallery
The Douglas XTB2D Skypirate was a torpedo bomber intended for service with the US Navy's Midway and Essex-class aircraft carriers. Two prototypes were completed and during testing they displayed remarkable performance. They were faster than the Grumman TBM-3 Avenger and it could carry two torpedoes 145 miles further than the sole torpedo carried by the Avenger. As the Japanese threat receded, the Midway class of carriers was delayed a number of years. The concept of the dedicated torpedo bomber became obsolete, and the project was cancelled. First flight 13 March 1945. Number built 2.