Vehicle Type: Dive Bomber / Recon Aircraft
Nation: Great Britain
Proposed Rank / BR: Rank II / ~2.3 BR
- Yes in the Tech Tree
- Yes as a Premium
- Yes as an Event
- No
Overview
The SBD-5 Dauntless was the definitive operational variant of the famous American naval dive bomber. Under the Lend-Lease program, nine SBD-5 aircraft were delivered to the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm in early 1945, where they received the official designation Dauntless DB Mk I. Although tested extensively at naval air stations like A&AEE Boscombe Down and RN Air Depot Donibristle, the FAA ultimately opted not to deploy them in active carrier operations, relying instead on native platform options like the Fairey Barracuda. Adding the Dauntless DB Mk I to the British aviation tree provides Great Britain with a dedicated, iconic dive bomber in low tiers (BR 2.3), bringing a new ounce of flavour to the tree.
Brief history of the Dauntless Mk.I in RAF/FAA service
Background and RAF/FAA service:
The Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless was the definitive, most produced variant of the iconic U.S. Navy dive bomber. Arriving in early 1943, it helped carry the Pacific air war through the critical carrier fleet engagements until the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver fully phased it out in mid-to-late 1944. Nicknamed “Slow But Deadly,” the Dauntless maintained an exceptionally low loss rate for a dive bomber. Its non-folding, exceptionally rigid wing structure utilized distinct perforated “Swiss cheese” dive flaps that eliminated tail-buffeting during steep 70-degree combat dives. The SBD-5 served extensively with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Royal New Zealand Air Force, and Free French Air Force and limited testing with the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm.
Delivered in early 1945, the nine airframes were assigned directly to the FAA and evaluated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Naval Air Squadrons. The aircraft underwent handling and tactical trials at stations like A&AEE Boscombe Down and RN Air Depot Donibristle to assess their suitability for carrier operations. The FAA chose not to deploy the Dauntless DB Mk I operational squadrons. By 1945, the SBD design was considered obsolete compared to existing British options like the Fairey Barracuda and newer American Lend-Lease fighters (such as the F4U Corsair and F6F Hellcat), which could carry equivalent ordnance at much higher speeds. The aircraft were used strictly for static testing, operational trials, and non-combat utility duties before being struck off charge after the war.
Specifications and Armament
Crew: 2 (Pilot, Rear Gunner/Radio Operator)
Engine: Wright R-1820-60 Cyclone 9-cylinder radial (1,200 hp)
Max Speed: 410 km/h (255 mph) at 4,200 m
Service Ceiling: 7,780 m (25,530 ft)
Rate of Climb: 8.6 m/s (1,700 ft/min)
Armament Capabilities
Forward Armament: 2 × 12.7 mm (.50 cal) M2 Browning machine guns (cowling mounted)
Defensive Armament: 2 × 7.62 mm (.30 cal) Browning machine guns (flexible twin mount in rear cockpit)
Ordnance (Up to 2,250 lbs total):
1 × 1,000 lb (or 1,600 lb) bomb under the centreline cradle;
- AN-M30 100lbs
- AN-M57 250lbs
- AN-M64 500lbs
- AN-M65A1 1000lbs
- AN-MK.I AP 1600lbs
- AN-Mk.33 AP 1000lbs
- Mk.13 Mod 0 naval mine
- MC 250lbs (UK)
- S.A.P 500lbs (UK)
- MC 500lbs (UK)
- MC 1000lbs (UK)
2 × 100 lb (or 250 lb) bombs on wing racks;
- AN-M30 100lbs
- AN-M57 250lbs
- MC 250lbs (UK)
- FFAR 5” rockets
- 50 gal drop tanks
- 12.7mm gunpods
Sources
bocquelet. (2026). Douglas SBD Dauntless (1939). Naval-Aviation.Com. Douglas SBD Dauntless (1939)
Douglas SBD Dauntless . (2026). Classicwarbirds.Co.Uk. Douglas SBD Dauntless | Classic Warbirds
Military Machine. (2026, March 4). Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless. Mil_Machine; Military Machine. Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless: WWII Dive Bomber
