***** Update, September 5, 2024 ******
With temperatures forecasted to reach or exceed 106 degrees on Saturday, the Museum has made the difficult decision to cancel the scheduled “Hangar Talk” and “Flying Demo” events for September 7, 2024.
On September 7, 2024, the Planes of Fame Air Museum will feature a special “Hangar Talk” event, followed by a flying demonstration of the WWII-era Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless dive-bomber. The event includes presentations on the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, Operation Market Garden, the effects of G-forces on pilots, and a profile of Luftwaffe ace Egon Mayer. The flying demo will highlight the SBD-5 Dauntless’s history, with a thrilling aerial display.
The SBD Dauntless began its service at Pearl Harbor in October 1943, later moving to Espiritu Santo in March 1944, where it was assigned to the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 25 Squadron. During its time with the RNZAF, it flew 32 combat missions from Bougainville before being returned to the U.S. Navy in May 1944. The SBD Dauntless gained fame for its dive-bombing success against the Japanese during the Battle of Midway in World War II. It was heavily armed with two forward-firing .50-caliber machine guns and flexible twin .30-caliber guns in the rear, providing solid defense while diving on targets. Typically, the aircraft carried a 500- or 1,000-pound bomb, making it a formidable weapon against enemy forces.
The Museum’s SBD-5, a World War II combat veteran, was delivered in June 1943. After the war, it was sold to Warner Bros., appearing in films like *Midway* and *War and Remembrance*. The museum acquired it in 1959 and restored it to flight in 1987. Armed with forward-firing .50-caliber machine guns and rear twin .30-caliber guns, the SBD was particularly effective in dive-bombing, especially during the Battle of Midway.
The event begins with an outdoor presentation by David Willis, who will discuss the SBD’s WWII history, particularly its service in the South Pacific. Following this, pilot John Kerpa will start the 1,200-horsepower Wright Cyclone radial engine, leading into an exciting 20-minute aerial display showcasing the Dauntless’s unique capabilities. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a member’s raffle and interact with the pilot after the demonstration.
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The day promises engaging talks, hands-on activities, and fun for the whole family. For more details, visit the Planes of Fame website, www.planesoffame.org.
***** Update, September 5, 2024 ******
With temperatures forecasted to reach or exceed 106 degrees on Saturday, the Museum has made the difficult decision to cancel the scheduled “Hangar Talk” and “Flying Demo” events for September 7, 2024.
Having only two Forward firing 50 Cal guns, and two flexible 30 Cal guns fired by the gunner, the SBD is not a heavily armed aircraft. Other aircraft such as the SB2C Helldiver, the P-47 Thunderbolt, the solid nosed B-25J, the A-26B, the P-61 Blackwidow, and the B-29, as well as the PB4Y-2 Privateer are heavily armed aircraft.