SBD Dauntless

The Douglas SBD Dauntless began its career considered obsolete, yet it became the most important dive bomber of World War II. Known as “Slow But Deadly,” the SBD was the principal carrier-based scout and dive bomber for the U.S. Navy during the early years of the war. The Abbotsford International Airshow is proud to feature one of the few surviving flyable examples from the Erickson Aircraft Collection.

This legendary aircraft participated in all five naval engagements fought exclusively between aircraft carriers. In 1942, the Dauntless sank more enemy shipping than all other aircraft combined.

The Machine: Rugged and Lethal

The SBD earned a reputation for its outstanding ability to absorb battle damage, resulting in the lowest attrition rate of any carrier aircraft in the Pacific. Its historical impact peaked during the Battle of Midway, where SBDs sank three Japanese carriers and disabled a fourth. At Midway, the Dauntless was credited with every confirmed hit on the enemy fleet, marking the turning point of the Pacific War.

While primarily a Navy and Marine Corps asset, some were produced for the U.S. Army as the A-24 Banshee and also served with the British Royal Navy. Out of 5,936 total aircraft produced, the Erickson SBD remains a rare living piece of aviation history.

Specific History: S/N 42-60817

The aircraft appearing this year has a unique service history:

• Military Service: Delivered in January 1943 as an Army A-24 Banshee, it served as a gunnery target tug at Lakeland Air Field in Florida.
• Civilian Career: From 1958 to 1965, the City of Portland employed the aircraft as a mosquito control sprayer.
• Restoration: The museum acquired the aircraft in 1994 and meticulously restored it to the SBD-3 Navy configuration seen today.

Witness the Legend Live

The Erickson SBD Dauntless represents the bravery and precision of the pilots who fought at Midway and the Coral Sea. Experience the sights and sounds of this “Slow But Deadly” hero on the flight line.