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Valiant Vindicators by Stan Stokes.
The Vought SB2U Vindicator represents one of those many 1930s era aircraft designs, that despite incorporating advanced aerodynamic design features when compared to earlier models, was technically obsolete at the start of WW II, and hence gets few favorable comments from a historical aviation combat perspective. The first production deliveries of the SB2U-1 dive-bomber took place in 1937. Powered by an 825-HP Pratt and Whitney radial, this aircraft carried a crew of two, and was capable of a maximum speed of 249-MPH and a maximum range of 1,300 miles. The Vindicators service ceiling was 27,500 feet. In early 1938 the Navy ordered 58 more Vindicators, designating this variant the SB2U-2. In 1939 Vought received a contract to supply the USMC with 57 additional Vindicators. These variants, designated the SB2U-3 would have greater fuel capacity and longer range. The 3s also were fitted with 4 forward firing machine guns instead of only one. Having advance knowledge of the Japanese plans t.........
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