Grumman TBA-1 Super Avenger

[b29r]

 Grumman TBA-1 Super Avenger

USN planners scrambled to have a carrier borne nuclear weapon delivery platform following the atomic attacks on Japan, which effectively ended WWII. The obvious choice was an upgraded Avenger, as it's weapons bay could hold the 2nd generation nukes being developed. Grumman was chosen as the prime contractor, and came up with a general arrangement and specs for the new plane. But as their own engineering staff was swamped with design work for projects already on the boards, Grumman offloaded the project to the Brewster Aeronautical Corporation, and gave them some latitude on minor tweaks and design issues. The result was an aircraft that strongly resembled the Avenger, but with some aesthetically unflattering profile changes. Brewster also constructed the aircraft, with an order of 208, which included prototype units.

The new design was designated TBA-1, and was designed for high altitude bombing. The Wright R-3350 and Curtiss 4 blade prop, was selected as they were readily available from the B-29/B-32 program. Defensive armament was also improved, with a remotely sighted turret to improve airflow. Performance was acceptable, with good handling characteristics, and the aircraft had no real vices.

Within a short time after the Super Avenger was in fleet service, newer and more capable designs came about, and the aircraft was passed off onto the Marine Corp. They served there for a few more years before all remaining aircraft were passed onto Reserve units or scrapped. The last Super Avenger was stricken from the inventory in June 1954.




This is of course the old 1/48 Lindberg Avenger kit, which has more than it's share of shape issues. Except for the canopy, the parts fit and engineering was actually quite good. Details are clunky or course, with the operating features of the day. The other parts are from the Monogram B-29 for the most part.

The photo's are from my cell phone, and really poor, but at least I didn't have to bother SWMBO for camera work, as this is a skillset that I don't have    .

Best regards,
Kem





 

 

[Tophe]

Good!
When I was a teenager (35-40 years ago?), I was a fan of such dark blue unreal Navy planes. Thanks for this memory.

[NARSES2]

That looks good 

Can see that serving post WWII and even up to Korea

[Captain Canada]

Oh I love it ! The Avenger has always been a favourite of mine, as are tip tanks. perfect combo there ! And that paint scheme 

[b29r]

Thank you guys    You're all good sports!     Keep your neat builds coming.

Best regards,
Kem

[Dizzyfugu]

I like it very much, esp. the new, unmanned turret and the additional fins. 

[zenrat]

It's very nice but I think that if I was dropping nuclear weapons i'd want something a bit faster in which to fly away from the mushroom cloud.

[NARSES2]

It's very nice but I think that if I was dropping nuclear weapons i'd want something a bit faster in which to fly away from the mushroom cloud.

Depends if there was anything left to fly back to ? 

Advice given to Vulcan pilots at the height of the Cold War. " Carry on east until you run out of fuel and settle down with a nice Mongolian lady".

[KiwiZac]

Yes. 100% yes! Inspired!

[Dizzyfugu]

It's very nice but I think that if I was dropping nuclear weapons i'd want something a bit faster in which to fly away from the mushroom cloud.

Also maybe a bit higher, too...?

[Snowtrooper]

It's very nice but I think that if I was dropping nuclear weapons i'd want something a bit faster in which to fly away from the mushroom cloud.

Also maybe a bit higher, too...?

Well, in real life the Skyraider of all things was modified into a nuclear bomber too (AD-4B variant), so there shouldn't be that big of a difference.

On the other hand, the Able Dog would be better suited to making the half-loop/Immelman turn required for toss bombing. Maybe invent timed fuses and/or parachute retardation and/or laydown delivery earlier than in OTL?