Grays Harbor Designs

[Zephyr]

Last chance, folks. If there are no more comments I'll assume the CVE isn't craptastic and transfer it over to my other thread later today.

[Hood]

Not bad. I think Bombhead should send you more random flight decks more often!

I'm not 100% sure of the shielded 4in/ 4.7in mounts, perhaps the overhang should be a little bigger. Probably not bad arcs though, and possible high enough to be dry in most normal-ish conditions.

[Zephyr]

Well, they're not really for any AA purposes, I figure the quad 40's are much better suited for that. I have them on the primarily for defense against any small boats, DE types and smaller, which may get near enough to do damage, or against surfaced subs. Not that that is likely to happen as no CVE would hardly ever be travelling without its own escorts nearby to take care of things like that I would imagine.

I've also had some second thoughts about using the Devasaters. They may be a bit large for use on this class as they will only fit on the forward lift, and then only sideways and with the wings still folded. I may change that to Dauntlesses instead, transferred to these escorts after that aircraft is replaced on the fleet carriers by the (To be determined) bomber.

[Zephyr]

I've been thinking about something Portsmouth Bill said in my other thread, about using the SBD on my 1943 incarnation of the Medusa and how by that time the SBD was getting a bit long in the tooth. I didn't think about it much then, but got to thinking some about it earlier today, and while I was at work.

So, I have a few candidates to fill the position of Carrier based dive bomber, to be ready for deployment in 1943. The candidates are:

SB2C Helldiver
Pros:
- good range
- good bombload
- Decent speed
Cons:
- It wasn't called the "Son of a Bitch 2nd Class" for nothing. Most every pilot who flew it hated it from what I've read.

SB2A Buccaneer
Pros:
- Good range
- Decent bombload
- decent speed
Cons:
- I don't have much info on this aircraft as it seems to have been overshadowed by the Helldiver.

TBY Sea Wolf
Pros:
- Excellent range
- Large bombload
- Good speed
- Radar equipped
Cons:
- Again, not much info as the prototypes kept having unfortunate incidents unrelated to the design, plus construction of the assembly plant was delayed. The aircraft was actually deemed superior to the Helldiver, but since it didn't become operational until much later than planned, most all squadrons had already been equipped by Helldivers and it has been largely forgotten by history.

Navalized A-31 Vengeance
Pros:
- Adequate speed
- decent bombload
- Excellent dive bomb handling characteristics
Cons:
- the "nose up" attitude in normal flight gave the pilot poor forward view. Difficult to land on a carrier.

I'd like some opinions please. My own personal choice would be for the Sea Wolf, but I am willing to entertain suggestions, discussion and arguments pro or con.

[Rhade]

I would take SB2A, good production run and part of RAF and RN. You can also think about Fairey Barracuda.

[Blackbuck]

The Buccaneer was a terrible aircraft. lacking in terms of manoeuvrability and payload. The RAF found them completely unsuited to combat and relegated them to target towing and training.

The Helldiver (one of my favourite) aircraft is a mixed bag, lively handling and a lack of stability compared to it's predecessor meant it was never popular with it's crews. Despite this it was a highly capable aircraft.

There doesn't seem to be much information good or bad about the Sea Wolf other than it was faster than the Avenger. Also of note is that the Sea Wolf like the Avenger was intended as a torpedo bomber not a dive bomber.

The A-31. A much overlooked type from the period. IMHO it'd be the best replacement for the SBD at the time (you've got the option to upgrade it's powerplant if the XA-31B and YA-31Cs are to be looked at 2237kW and 1640kW engines respectively).

For me it's a toss up between the Helldiver and the Vengeance they both have their merits. Though if I had to choose one I'd probably go with the Vengeance.

~Regards, Mark.

[Zephyr]

You can also think about Fairey Barracuda.

I forgot about that one.

[Zephyr]

The Buccaneer was a terrible aircraft. lacking in terms of manoeuvrability and payload. The RAF found them completely unsuited to combat and relegated them to target towing and training.

The Helldiver (one of my favourite) aircraft is a mixed bag, lively handling and a lack of stability compared to it's predecessor meant it was never popular with it's crews. Despite this it was a highly capable aircraft.

There doesn't seem to be much information good or bad about the Sea Wolf other than it was faster than the Avenger. Also of note is that the Sea Wolf like the Avenger was intended as a torpedo bomber not a dive bomber.

The A-31. A much overlooked type from the period. IMHO it'd be the best replacement for the SBD at the time (you've got the option to upgrade it's powerplant if the XA-31B and YA-31Cs are to be looked at 2237kW and 1640kW engines respectively).

For me it's a toss up between the Helldiver and the Vengeance they both have their merits. Though if I had to choose one I'd probably go with the Vengeance.

~Regards, Mark.

Yeah, thats right, the Sea Wolf was a torpedo plane, not a bomber. I was kinda fudging it on that one mostly because I just really like the looks of it. Heck, I may well just use it in place of the Avenger, just so as not to be a complete USNClone.

I like the idea of the Vengeance though, especially with the uprated engine. Probably leaning in that direction for now. I guess I ought get started drawing one up because I don't recall seeing one done already. Which probably means there is one some place and as usual I missed it.

[Bombhead]

With the Barracuda you get a dive bomber and a torpedo bomber in one without the need to maintain another type of aircraft on a small carrier,plus of course there is an excellent one already drawn by Hood.

[Zephyr]

Its possible I may use the Barracuda as a Marine Aviation and RAF aircraft, and use the Sea Wolf and Vengeance as Fleet Air Arm.