1:72 scale diecast aircraft from the Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA2207. Curtiss SB2C Helldiver USN VB-83, "White 207", USS Essex, April.

Length 6 inches
Wingspan 8 inches

The SB2C Helldiver was commonly referred to as �The Beast� because of its size and rather poor handling characteristics. Even with new variants and upgrades the Helldiver never received the credit and respect it deserved. The most produced variant was the �4� with the SB2C-4E equipped with an AN/APS-4 radar pod mounted under the starboard wing for air search. It flew faster and further than the Avenger, except for range it beat the SBD in every category. Its cruising speed was only 2 mph slower than the famous Hellcat.

In early 1945 USS Essex and her aircraft became part of Operation Iceberg, the invasion of Okinawa. The battle lasted a total of 82 days from April 1, 1945 until June 22, 1945. VB-83 Helldivers and VT-83 Avengers were tasked with shipping strikes, anti-submarine patrols and ground support of troops. On April 5, 1945 VB-83 Helldivers and VT-83 Avengers were heavily involved in sinking one of the two largest battleships in the world, Yamato.