For torpedo bombers, we go from the TBD Devastator to the TBF/TBM Avenger to the AD-1/A-1 Skyraider.
For dive bombers, we go from the SBD Dauntless, to the SB2C Helldiver, to the AD-1/A-1 Skyraider.
(Progression from model to model is a “more or less” type of progression, since there was overlap and some limited use of other planes, so no nitpicking, tho details are welcome.)
Interestingly, the AD-1/A-1 Skyraider (first delivery in June, 1945, but no WWII combat usage that I could find) could replace and fulfill both types of attack roles, and was also useful in close support roles, which were often handled by fighter/bombers (I know the TBF/TBM was also used for low level conventional bombing and some close support).
Anyways… After the Skyraider, which seems to have most of its combat use against land targets in Korea and Vietnam, I am having trouble finding any other carrier aircraft exspressly designed for torpedo attacks against shipping. Did missile use make that form of warfare obsolete? Or were there such planes, jet or not, designed and deployed after the Skyraider that just don’t get much press? I guess ASW aircraft like the S-3 Viking would fit in the picture somehow, but I’m not very familiar with what evolved in that form of combat after WWII either.
Details, corrections, personal anecdotes, links to other sites, etc… are all welcome. Thanks in advance.
Since I already know that missile use is currently prevelant (see OP), maybe I should narrow down that part of the question to WHEN they were phased out as an anti shipping, aircraft deployed weapon and was the AD-1/A-1 indeed the last of its type?
Makes sense. ASW is a fascinating subject all on its own. Any further hijacks specifically towards that end of the spectrum of my convoluted OP question are entirely welcome.
Considering that torpedo planes were very close to death traps, and that jets were oh the horizon in the late 40’s I think that the Navy brass decided that jet bombers were the way to go.
In the Battle of Midway the torpedo planes were slaughtered and none hit a target. Of course the Fairey Swordfish, a WWI era bi-plane, was what ultimately doomed the German battleship Bismarck with a lucky torpedo shot to her rudder (as I understand it the Swordfish flew so slowly the anti-aircraft fire control on the Bismarck couldn’t cope…it was adjusted to shoot faster planes).
Still, a torpedo is a heavy weapon (so most attack planes would only carry one) and the plane must get in close before deploying one if it is to have a chance at hitting its target (not to mention the plane has to be very low to the water coming on broadside to the ship). Add that up and it spells bad news for the plane and pilot surviving the attempt.
So, probably (until someone tells me otherwise), as soon as missile technology picked up enough (early post WWII?) then no more slow runs at a surface ship… Which would indeed make the Skyraider the last torpedo bomber, in the classic sense anyways.
Hmmm, I was hoping for a little known jet that I could then fixate on. Drats!
Still, the subject interesting enough to continue, even if at tangents.
Does anyone know the approximate time frame of the phase out/switch?
Grumman’s AF Guardian also began life as a torpedo bomber design, (TB3F), but was switched to ASW duties long before it had gone very far into development.
The Wikipedea site you linked suggests “… the dedicated torpedo bomber was becoming an outdated concept and with the end of World War II the type was no longer needed …”, which goes a long ways towards the ultimate answer to my original Q.
There´s the WestlandWyvern , british plane that served from 1954 to 1958 I think; a “torpedo fighter” supposedly. Goodlooking and one of those planes that talks smack just parked on the deck.
