Hobby Master HA2201 SB2C-1 Helldiver VB-17, USS Bunker Hill, 1943

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.