United States' Brewster SB2A Buccaneer reconnaissance bomber
Photos
Brewster SB2A Bermuda Mk I bomber: |
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Brewster SB2A-1 Buccaneer bomber: Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook |
Brewster SB2A-1 Buccaneer bomber: Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook |
Design
Prototype
The prototype was the Brewster Model 340 which was developed from the XSBA-1 prototype.1 The XSB2A-1 prototype was ordered in April 1939.1 On June 17, 1941 the XSB2A-1 flew for the first time.1
Production
SB2As were shown to be lacking in capability but was still ordered into production.1
- XSB2A-1: 11
- SB2A-1 Bermuda: 4681
- SB2A-2: 801
- SB2A-3: 601
- SB2A-4: 1621 Originally ordered buy the Netherlands but used by the US Navy.1
- Total: 7711
Variants
- XSB2A-1: Had a prototype dorsal turret.1
- SB2A-1, A-34:
- SB2A-2:
- SB2A-3: Had folding wings and arrestor hooks.1
- SB2A-4: Had eight 0.3" MGs.1
Usage
There is no record of the Buccaneer ever seeing combat.1
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom ordered 750 SB2A-1s, which were known as the Bermuda.1 Deliveries started in 1942.1 468 of the order were delivered under Lend Lease.1 The Bermudas were only used as trainers and target toweres.1
Netherlands
162 SB2As were ordered by Netherlands.1 These were supposed to be delivered to the Dutch East Indies but were repossessed by the US Navy and named the SB2A-4.1
United States Navy
The United States Navy ordered 140 SB2As.1 80 SB2A-2s were delivered in 1943 and 60 SB2A-3s were delivered in 1944.1
All were used as trainers in the US Navy and US Marine Corps.1
Specifications
| Brewster SB2A Buccaneer | Brewster SB2A-1 Buccaneer | Brewster SB2A-2 Buccaneer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Naval or land based reconnaissance bomber1 | Dive Bomber2 | |
| Crew | 21 | ||
| Engine (Type) | Wright R-2600-8 Double Cyclone1 | 1: Wright Cyclone2 | |
| Cylinders | Radial 141 | ||
| Cooling | |||
| HP | 1,7001 | 1,2752 | |
| Propeller blades | 31 | ||
| Dimensions | |||
| Span | 47'1 14.32 m1 |
47'2 | |
| Length | 39' 2"1 11.94 m1 |
39' 2"2 | |
| Height | 15' 5"1 6.7 m1 |
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| Wing area | |||
| Weight | |||
| Empty | 9,924 lb1 4,502 kg1 |
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| Maximum load | 11,000 lb2 | 14,289 lb1 6,481 kg1 |
|
| Performance | |||
| Speed | 350 mph2 | ||
| Speed @ sea level | 259 mph1 417 kph1 |
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| Speed @ 12,000' 3,658 m |
274 mph1 441 kph1 |
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| Cruising speed | 161 mph1 259 kph1 |
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| Climb | 2,080'/minute1 634 m/minute1 |
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| Service ceiling | 24,900'1 7,590 m1 |
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| Range | 1,000 miles2 | 1,675 miles1 2,695 km1 |
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| Armament | |||
| Wings | 2: 0.3" MG1 | ||
| Nose | 2: 0.5" MG1 | ||
| Rear dorsal turret | 2: 0.3" MG1 | ||
| Bombs | 1,000 lb2 | 1,000 lb1 454 kg1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook, Ensign L. C. Guthman, 1943
