Douglas TBD Devastator
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The Douglas TBD Devastator was an American torpedo bomber of the United States Navy. Ordered in 1934, it first flew in 1935 and entered service in 1937. At that point, it was the most advanced aircraf
US Navy TBD-1 Torpedo Squadron Six (VT-6), from USS Enterprise (CV-6), circa 1938
The XTBD-1 with the original flat canopy in 1935
The first production TBD-1 in 1937
A single TBD-1A was tried as a floatplane
Mark 13 torpedo
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The Mark 13 torpedo was the U.S. Navy's most common aerial torpedo of World War II. It was the first American torpedo to be originally designed for launching from aircraft only. They were also used on
Douglas TBD Devastator
…to return to their carriers. Although much of the Devastator's dismal performance was later attributed to the many well-documented defects in the US Mark 13 torpedo, the aircraft was withdrawn from frontline service after Midway, being replaced by the Grumman TBF Avenger. The Douglas XTBD-1 was ordered on 30 June…
A Mark 13B torpedo being loaded onto a Grumman TBF Avenger aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp in 1944; the torpedo is fitted with wooden breakaway nose and tail protection which is shed upon hitting the water
Mark 13 torpedo's general arrangement, as published in a service manual
A Douglas TBD Devastator making a practice drop with a Mark 13 torpedo, October 20, 1941
Mark 13 Model 6 with shroud ring