Airplane Helldiver Factory Model Curtiss Wright Desk Display 1940

This is a factory model of a Curtiss Wright SB2C-1 dive bomber called the 'Helldiver' from 1943. These were presentation models given as gifts to important people. Of all the models made by Curtiss at the time, this is one of the largest. It is made from nickel plated steel and very heavy. The wingspan is 19" and it is in excellent condition, a rare model.

The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver is a carrier-based dive bomber aircraft produced for the United States Navy during World War II. It replaced the Douglas SBD Dauntless in US Navy service. The SB2C-1 was much faster than the SBD it replaced.
Delays marred its production—by the time the A-25 Shrike variant for the USAAF was deployed in late 1943, the Army Air Forces no longer had a need for a thoroughbred dive bomber. Poor handling of the aircraft was another factor that hampered its service introductions; both the British Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force cancelled substantial orders.
The Truman Committee investigated Helldiver production and turned in a scathing report, which eventually led to the beginning of the end for Curtiss. Problems with the Helldiver were eventually ironed out, and in spite of its early problems, the aircraft was flown through the last two years of the Pacific War with a fine combat record.