I Love Kit 1/18 SBD-3/4 Dauntless Plastic Model Kit [61801]

SKU: ILK61801 | Brand: I Love Kit | Product: I Love Kit 1/18 SBD-3/4 Dauntless Plastic Model Kit [61801] The SBD Dauntless dive bomber established itself as the U.S. Navy's primary carrier aircraft throughout the Pacific campaign of World War II, achieving the lowest loss ratio of any American carrier-based platform. Production spanned 1940 through July 1944, yielding 5,936 aircraft. Distinctive "Swiss cheese" dive brakes—flaps perforated with 3-inch holes—enabled near-vertical diving attacks for pinpoint bomb delivery. This design allowed the Dauntless to destroy 18 enemy warships, including one battleship and six carriers, while accounting for the first enemy ship sunk by the U.S. Navy in the war. Specifications: Wingspan 12.7m, Length 9.8m, Height 4.1m, Service ceiling 8260m, Combat range 2165km. SBD-5 variants featured .50 caliber cowling guns, self-sealing fuel tanks, protective armor, and upgraded 1,000 hp R-1820-52 engines introduced March 1941. Service extended to French, New Zealand, and Mexican forces.