December 13, 1940 - The prototype of the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver (right) is rolled out. Designed as a replacement for the SBD Dauntless, the SB2C was plagued by problems during its design and development process. These led to the aircraft having an extremely poor reputation when it was introduced in late 1943. Though the Helldiver was faster and carried a heavier payload, air crews were reluctant to give up their "Slow but Deadly" Dauntlesses for the new "Son of a Bitch 2nd Class." Also dubbed the "Beast" by pilots due to its handling, the SB2C eventually proved to be a highly effective weapon. Once many of the teething problems were solved, most pilots came to have a grudging respect for the type. The SB2C saw action at battles such as Philippine Sea, the Marianas, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Retained after World War II, the Helldiver was eventually replaced by the Douglas A-1 Skyraider in 1949.
Photograph Courtesy of the US Navy History & Heritage Command
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