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In a category all of its own, the Grumman TBF Avenger was designed as a ship-launched naval torpedo bomber. First flown in August 1941, it was the heaviest single engined aircraft of the Second World War. It also became the most successful torpedo bomber of the conflict. Powered by a 1,600 hp Wright Cyclone engine, the Avenger enjoyed plenty of power to get its crew of three to and from the combat zone. Almost 10,000 were built during the war years.
New Zealand employed a total of 48 of these aircraft in the Pacific Theatre, not operating from aircraft carriers but from island bases and in the role of dive bomber and in this role they carried out excellent work based around Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, and Bougainville. Following the end of WW-II, the humble 'Turkey' even tried its hand as a pioneering topdressing aircraft with a hopper fitted to the bomb bay of an RNZAF Avenger for trials in aerial application.
Image: Avenger - still image from video by Peter Thompson
The aircraft joining the Classic Fighters display line-up is a very well travelled example that, whilst not an original RNZAF Avenger, has had a long association with this country having twice enjoyed periods as a New Zealand airshow star, with overseas ownership in between. It has also served as an airshow participant over lengthy periods in the USA, the UK and Australia.
Owner Brendon Deere operates the Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre at RNZAF Base Ohakea in the lower North Island where in addition to the Avenger, Brendon operates his magnificent Spitfire Mk.IX (which will also be performing at Classic Fighters), a Harvard and has a very significant North American P-51D Mustang under restoration.
Image: Avenger - still image from video by Peter Thompson
About Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ. 2021 will be Classic Fighters Omaka’s 20th anniversary.
The show is has been postponed until September 03-05 2021 and tickets are available at www.classicfighters.co.nz or at the gate.
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