The TBF Avenger first flew
in August of 1941. It arrived in service just in time for the battle of
Midway. The ability to carry torpedoes and other armaments had a big
part to play in the destruction of the Japanese fleet. It's rugged
design and simplicity made it more survivable. After the war, they were
used in a wide variety of roles for many years after WWII.
Untilrecently, some were used as water tankers to fight forest fires in
Canada. Over 9,800 Avengers were built and today over 40 are still in
airworthy condition. This Avenger is a TBM-3 that was made by General
Motors and is privately owned. It is painted up in the scheme that was
flown by former President George Bush, who was shot down while
attacking Chichi Jima.
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