Aviation BTS

Grumman TBF Avenger

The Avenger entered service in 1942 during WWII. Its first combat action was the Battle of Midway. Despite 5 of the 6 used in the first raid being shot down or destroyed, it surveived to become one of the most effective torpedo bombers of WWII. The Avenger is credited with sinking the Japanse super battleships the Yamato and Musashi while they were underway, the only aircraft credited with doing so during the war. The Avenger remained in service until the 1960’s.