Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless BuNo 1616, VMB-1, US Marine Corps, Quantico, 1940

True 1/72 scale
Professionally painted
Great attention to detail
All markings are Tampoed (pad applied)
Option to display the model on a stand that is provided
Model can be shown with the landing gear in the down or up positions
Canopy can be displayed open or closed
Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic
Highly collectable

Designed as a light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, various versions of the Dauntless
served during the war with the US Marine Corps, Army and Navy. The US Military initially ordered
144 Douglas Dauntless SBD-1s with only 57 actually being produced; the remaining 87 were
modified to SBD-2 standards. The Douglas Dauntless was the workhorse of the US Navy in the
Pacific and was the only plane to fight in every major Pacific engagement. Production ended in
July 1944 with a total of 5,936 had been built in all versions.



Originally activated as VB-6M the unit was re-designated VMB-1 in 1937. In late 1940 VMB-1 was
the second Marine unit to receive the new Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless. Because mid-1940 was a
relatively quiet period for the Marines VMB-1 its 19 SBD-1s were stationed at Quantico, Virginia
learning the intricacies of the new aircraft and learning amphibious assault support tactics. On
July 1, 1942 they were once again re-designated as VMSB-132. SBD-1 BuNo. 1616 at Chula
Vista, California on August 10, 1942.


Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless specifications

Role – Scout/Dive Bomber

Production – 57
Operator – USMC

Dimensions
Length – 32 ft 2 in
Wingspan – 41 ft 6 in
Height – 13 ft 7 in

Weight
Empty – 5,903 lb
Maximum – 9,790 lb

Performance
Engine – 1 x R-1820-32, 1,000 hp
Rate Of Climb – 1,730 fpm
Service Ceiling – 29,600 ft
Speed
Cruising – 142 mph
Maximum – 253 mph
Range
Bombing – 860 miles
Scouting – 1,165 miles

Armament
Guns
Fixed – 2 x .30 Cal
Flexible – 1 x .30 Cal
Bombs – Maximum 1,200 lb