The Last of the Breed

The first production SB2C-1 flew on 30 June 1942 and first flew into combat in the campaign for Rabaul in November 1943. By the next year it replaced the SBD Dauntless as the Navy's first line dive bomber.

The "Big-Tailed Beast," as its not-always-affectionate crewmen called it, eventually proved to be a formidable and highly versatile weapon. It delivered bombs and depth charges with pinpoint accuracy and could strafe with cannon, rocket and machine gun fire. 

About 7,200 Helldivers were built. The CAF Helldiver is the only SB2C still flying. She is a SB2C-5, the last production variant of this aircraft. She was utilized by the Navy from 5 July 1945 through 31 August 1948. She experienced engine failure in 1982 and suffered extensive damage while making an emergency landing. Many said "The Beast would never fly again". However, the members of the West Texas Wing did not accept this proposition. After thousands of volunteer man hours and a project cost in excess of $200,000, "The Beast" did fly again in September 1988. The current colors and markings are those of the carrier U.S.S. Franklin CV-13.  "The Beast" is based at the Cactus Squadron in Graham, Texas.