Dec 11, 2025
Douglas XSB2D-1 Destroyer
The Douglas XSB2D-1 Destroyer was designed as a replacement for both the Douglas SBD Dauntless and the new Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. It was fitted with a bomb bay and underwing racks for up to 4,200 lb (1,900 kg) of bombs or one torpedo (typically the Mark 13), while defensive armament consisted of two wing-mounted 20 mm (0.79 in) cannon and two remote-controlled turrets, each with two .50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns.
Not long after its first flight on 8 April 1943, the US Navy requested a torpedo bomber be developed from the XSB2D-1. This resulted in the Douglas BTD Destroyer. Only two prototypes of the XSB2D-1 were built as the production order was converted to BTD Destroyers instead.