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DOUGLAS T2D
(Source: U.S. Navy)
The Douglas T2D was a twin engine bomber aircraft contracted by the military, and required to be usable on wheels or floats, and operating from aircraft-carriers. It was the first twin engined aircraft to be operated from an aircraft carrier.
Development and design
In 1925 the United States Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics designed a twin engined torpedo bomber aircraft, intended to have greater performance than contemporary single engined aircraft . A single prototype was built by the Naval Aircraft Factory as the XTN-1, which was quickly followed by three identical aircraft built by Douglas, the T2D-1.
The XTN/T2D was a large two bay biplane, capable of easy conversion between floats and wheels, and carrying a crew of four.
Operational history
The first three T2D-1's were delivered to the torpedo bomber squadron VT-2 on 25 May 1927 , being used for successful trials aboard the aircraft carrier USS Langley. A further 9 T2D-1's were ordered in 1927, these normally being operated as floatplanes, partly owing to criticism from the Army of the Navy operating large land based bombers , and partly as its large size prevented the Langley from embarking a full airwing.
A further 18 aircraft were ordered in June 1930 as patrol floatplanes, being designated P2D-1. These were operated by Patrol Squadron VP-3 in the Panama Canal Zone until they were replaced by PBYs in 1937.
Variants
XTN-1:
Original prototype built by Naval Aircraft Factory. One built.
T2D-1:
Production aircraft, convertible torpedo bomber/patrol floatplane, powered by Wright R-1750 Cyclone. Twelve built.
P2D-1:
Dedicated patrol floatplane. Fitted with twin tail for improved engine out performance and powered by two R-1820 Cyclones. 18 built.
Sources:
Wikipedia: Douglas T2D
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