The Douglas SBD (Scout Bomber Douglas) was developed from the BT
(Bomber Northrop) which first flew 1935. The SBD first entered
service in 1940 and was the Navy's front-line dive bomber in the early
months of World War II until replaced by the Curtiss SB2C
Helldiver.
The
Dauntless saw action at Coral Sea and Midway and was credited with
sinking five Japanese carriers. Midway was the turning point in the
war in the Pacific.
With minor changes, the SBD was purchased by the US
Army as the A-24 Banshee.
