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Grumman manufactured the vast majority of the TBF Avenger aircraft produced.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Grumman designed and initially produced the Avenger, General Motors' Eastern Aircraft Division manufactured the vast majority of the aircraft, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the total production.
Leroy Grumman was the lead designer for the Avenger, and the first prototype flew in August 1941.
Answer: True
Explanation: Leroy Grumman led the design of the Avenger, and the first prototype, designated XTBF-1, made its maiden flight on August 7, 1941.
The Avenger's wing-folding mechanism was designed to increase the aircraft's agility in flight.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Avenger's patented "Sto-Wing" mechanism was designed to maximize storage space on aircraft carriers, not to enhance agility.
The aircraft was officially named 'Avenger' in late 1941, before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Answer: True
Explanation: The aircraft was officially assigned the name "Avenger" in October 1941, prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, reflecting its intended role in naval warfare.
General Motors adapted automotive mass production techniques for assembling the 'P-K Avenger' variant.
Answer: True
Explanation: General Motors engineers studied and adapted automotive-style mass production methods for assembling the Avenger, contributing to efficient manufacturing.
Which division manufactured nearly three-quarters of the total Avenger production?
Answer: General Motors' Eastern Aircraft Division
Explanation: General Motors' Eastern Aircraft Division manufactured nearly three-quarters of the total Avenger production.
Who led the design of the Avenger, and when did the first prototype make its maiden flight?
Answer: Leroy Grumman, August 7, 1941
Explanation: Leroy Grumman led the design of the Avenger, and the first prototype made its maiden flight on August 7, 1941.
What was the purpose of the Avenger's patented "Sto-Wing" mechanism?
Answer: To maximize storage space on aircraft carriers.
Explanation: The Avenger's patented "Sto-Wing" mechanism was designed to maximize storage space on aircraft carriers, a critical consideration for naval operations.
What innovation did General Motors apply when producing the Avenger, inspired by a Grumman prototype?
Answer: Adaptation of automotive-style mass production methods.
Explanation: General Motors engineers studied and adapted automotive-style mass production methods for assembling the Avenger, contributing to efficient manufacturing.
The Grumman TBF Avenger was primarily designed as a dive bomber for the U.S. Navy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Grumman TBF Avenger was primarily designed and utilized as a carrier-based torpedo bomber, not a dive bomber.
The Grumman TBF Avenger made its combat debut during the Battle of Midway in 1942.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Avenger entered U.S. service in 1942 and first saw combat action during the pivotal Battle of Midway.
The Avenger was recognized as the least effective torpedo bomber used in World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to this statement, the Avenger was recognized as one of the most effective torpedo bombers of World War II, credited with sinking numerous enemy vessels, including approximately 30 submarines.
The Avenger's participation in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons resulted in the sinking of the Japanese light carrier Ryūjō.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, Avengers successfully sank the Japanese light carrier Ryūjō and claimed one enemy dive bomber.
The Avenger proved ineffective in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) due to its limited ordnance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Avenger proved highly effective in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), particularly when operating from escort carriers, due to its robust ordnance and capabilities.
What was the primary role of the Grumman TBF Avenger aircraft during World War II?
Answer: A carrier-based torpedo bomber.
Explanation: The Grumman TBF Avenger was primarily designed and utilized as a carrier-based torpedo bomber.
In which year did the Avenger enter U.S. service, and where did it make its combat debut?
Answer: 1942, Battle of Midway
Explanation: The Avenger entered U.S. service in 1942 and first saw combat action during the pivotal Battle of Midway.
What distinction did the Avenger earn regarding its effectiveness in World War II?
Answer: It was the most effective submarine killer and widely used torpedo bomber.
Explanation: The Avenger became recognized as one of the most effective torpedo bombers of World War II, credited with sinking approximately 30 submarines.
During the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, Avengers achieved which significant success?
Answer: Sinking the Japanese light carrier Ryūjō.
Explanation: During the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, Avengers successfully sank the Japanese light carrier Ryūjō and claimed one enemy dive bomber.
The Avenger's effectiveness in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) was particularly noted when operating from:
Answer: Escort carriers providing convoy air cover.
Explanation: The Avenger proved highly effective in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), particularly when operating from escort carriers that provided air cover for Allied convoys.
Avengers manufactured by General Motors carried the designation TBF.
Answer: False
Explanation: Avengers manufactured by General Motors were designated TBM, not TBF.
The TBF-1C variant reduced fuel capacity compared to the TBF-1 to save weight.
Answer: False
Explanation: The TBF-1C variant actually increased fuel capacity compared to the TBF-1, enhancing its operational range.
The TBM-3 variant was the least produced version of the Avenger.
Answer: False
Explanation: The TBM-3 variant was the most numerous version of the Avenger produced, not the least.
The Royal Navy initially designated the Avenger as 'Tarpon' before adopting the U.S. Navy's name.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Royal Navy initially designated the Avenger as the "Tarpon." This name was later discontinued and replaced with the U.S. Navy's designation, "Avenger."
The Royal Canadian Navy modified Avengers by removing the dorsal turret and adding radar for ASW.
Answer: True
Explanation: The RCN modified Avengers for ASW by adding radar, ECM equipment, and sonobuoys, often replacing the dorsal turret with a glass canopy for better observation.
The TBM-3E variant incorporated advanced search radar and removed the ventral gun.
Answer: True
Explanation: The TBM-3E featured a strengthened airframe, incorporated search radar, and had its ventral gun removed.
The TBM-3R variant was designed as a specialized anti-submarine warfare platform.
Answer: False
Explanation: The TBM-3R variant was converted for Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) transport duties, not as a specialized anti-submarine warfare platform.
The TBM-3W served as an early ship-based airborne early warning (AEW) platform.
Answer: True
Explanation: The TBM-3W was adapted as the first ship-based airborne early warning (AEW) platform, equipped with AN/APS-20 radar.
The Royal Canadian Navy designated its modified anti-submarine Avengers as AS 4.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Royal Canadian Navy designated its modified anti-submarine Avengers as AS 3, with later versions receiving the AS 3M designation.
The Royal Navy designated the TBM-3S anti-submarine variant as the Avenger AS5.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Royal Navy designated the TBM-3S variant as the Avenger AS5.
The Royal Navy designated postwar TBM-3E Avengers as the Avenger AS4.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Royal Navy designated the postwar TBM-3E Avengers as the Avenger AS4.
The TBM-3Q variant was converted for electronic countermeasures (ECM) and retained its turret.
Answer: True
Explanation: The TBM-3Q variant was converted for electronic countermeasures (ECM) operations and retained its defensive gun turret.
The Royal Netherlands Navy used the TBM-3S2 variant, designated A-28, for anti-submarine missions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Royal Netherlands Navy utilized the TBM-3S2 variant, designated A-28, for anti-submarine attack missions.
The TBM-3N variant was adapted for reconnaissance missions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The TBM-3N variant was converted for night attack operations, not reconnaissance missions.
The TBM-3P variant was a conversion designed for photo-reconnaissance duties.
Answer: True
Explanation: The TBM-3P variant was a conversion specifically designed for photo-reconnaissance missions.
The TBM-3M variant was designed to launch the large 'Tiny Tim' rocket.
Answer: True
Explanation: The TBM-3M variant was converted to serve as a launcher for the "Tiny Tim" rocket.
What designation was given to Avengers manufactured by General Motors?
Answer: TBM
Explanation: Avengers manufactured by General Motors were designated as TBM.
Which Avenger variant was produced in the largest numbers?
Answer: TBM-3
Explanation: The TBM-3 variant was the most numerous version of the Avenger produced.
What was the Royal Navy's initial designation for the Avenger before adopting the U.S. name?
Answer: Tarpon
Explanation: The Royal Navy initially designated the Avenger as the "Tarpon." This name was later discontinued and replaced with the U.S. Navy's designation, "Avenger."
Which modifications did the Royal Canadian Navy implement on Avengers for anti-submarine warfare (ASW)?
Answer: Removed the turret, added radar, ECM, and sonobuoys.
Explanation: The RCN modified Avengers for ASW by adding radar, ECM equipment, and sonobuoys, often replacing the dorsal turret with a glass canopy for better observation.
The TBM-3E variant incorporated which key improvements over earlier models?
Answer: Strengthened airframe, search radar, and removal of the ventral gun.
Explanation: The TBM-3E featured a strengthened airframe, incorporated search radar, and had its ventral gun removed.
What was the specific function of the TBM-3R variant?
Answer: Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) transport.
Explanation: The TBM-3R variant was converted for Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) transport duties, not as a specialized anti-submarine warfare platform.
The TBM-3W variant was adapted for what pioneering role in naval aviation?
Answer: The first ship-based airborne early warning (AEW) platform.
Explanation: The TBM-3W was adapted as the first ship-based airborne early warning (AEW) platform, equipped with AN/APS-20 radar.
The Royal Navy designated the TBM-3S anti-submarine strike variant as:
Answer: Avenger AS5
Explanation: The Royal Navy designated the TBM-3S variant as the Avenger AS5.
The TBM-3P variant served what purpose?
Answer: Photo-reconnaissance.
Explanation: The TBM-3P variant was a conversion specifically designed for photo-reconnaissance missions.
What specialized ordnance was the TBM-3M variant designed to launch?
Answer: Tiny Tim rocket
Explanation: The TBM-3M variant was converted to serve as a launcher for the "Tiny Tim" rocket.
The Avenger was powered by a Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engine producing 1,900 horsepower.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Avenger was powered by a Wright R-2600-20 Twin Cyclone radial engine, which produced 1,900 horsepower, not a Pratt & Whitney Wasp.
The typical Avenger crew consisted of a pilot, a navigator, and a tail gunner.
Answer: False
Explanation: The typical Avenger crew consisted of three members: a pilot, a turret gunner, and a radioman who also served as the bombardier and ventral gunner. It did not include a dedicated navigator or tail gunner.
Early Avenger models featured a synchronized .30 caliber machine gun in the nose and a .50 caliber gun in the dorsal turret.
Answer: True
Explanation: Early Avenger models were armed with a synchronized .30 caliber machine gun in the nose and a .50 caliber machine gun in an electrically powered dorsal turret, along with a ventral gun.
Later Avenger variants improved forward armament by adding two wing-mounted .50 caliber machine guns.
Answer: True
Explanation: Later Avenger models replaced the single nose-mounted .30 caliber gun with two wing-mounted .50 caliber Browning M2 machine guns, enhancing the aircraft's forward firepower.
The Avenger's cockpit allowed easy interior access from the crew compartment for the pilot.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Avenger's cockpit did not allow for direct interior access from the crew compartment; the pilot operated independently.
The Avenger's bomb bay could accommodate a single torpedo or a 2,000-pound bomb.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Avenger's bomb bay was capable of carrying a single Mark 13 torpedo, one 2,000-pound bomb, or up to four 500-pound bombs.
The 'Yehudi lights' were used on Avengers to improve pilot visibility during night operations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Yehudi lights' were used on Avengers for camouflage research, automatically adjusting brightness to match the sky for reduced visibility, not to improve pilot visibility.
Besides bombs and torpedoes, Avengers could carry up to eight 3.5-inch or 5-inch rockets.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Avenger could also be armed with up to eight 3.5-inch or 5-inch rockets.
The maximum speed of the TBF Avenger was approximately 350 mph.
Answer: False
Explanation: The maximum speed of the TBF Avenger was approximately 278 mph, not 350 mph.
The Avenger had a service ceiling of approximately 10,000 feet.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Avenger had a service ceiling of approximately 22,600 feet, not 10,000 feet.
The fully loaded operational range of the Avenger was around 500 miles.
Answer: False
Explanation: The fully loaded operational range of the Avenger was approximately 1,000 miles, not 500 miles.
What type of engine powered the Avenger, and what was its horsepower?
Answer: Wright R-2600-20 Twin Cyclone, 1,900 hp
Explanation: The Avenger was powered by a Wright R-2600-20 Twin Cyclone radial engine, producing 1,900 horsepower.
Which roles were typically filled by the three-person crew of the Avenger?
Answer: Pilot, Radio Operator/Bombardier, Turret Gunner
Explanation: The Avenger typically had a three-person crew: a pilot, a turret gunner, and a radioman who also served as the bombardier and ventral gunner.
How was the forward armament of later Avenger variants improved compared to early models?
Answer: Two wing-mounted .50 caliber machine guns were added.
Explanation: Later Avenger models replaced the single nose-mounted .30 caliber gun with two wing-mounted .50 caliber Browning M2 machine guns, enhancing the aircraft's forward firepower.
What was a significant limitation regarding the Avenger's internal crew configuration?
Answer: There was no direct interior access from the crew compartment to the pilot's cockpit.
Explanation: The Avenger's cockpit did not allow for direct interior access from the crew compartment; the pilot operated independently.
What types of ordnance could the Avenger's bomb bay carry?
Answer: A single torpedo, one 2,000-pound bomb, or up to four 500-pound bombs.
Explanation: The Avenger's bomb bay was capable of carrying a single Mark 13 torpedo, one 2,000-pound bomb, or up to four 500-pound bombs.
What was the purpose of the 'Yehudi lights' used in Avenger camouflage research?
Answer: To automatically adjust brightness to match the sky for reduced visibility.
Explanation: The 'Yehudi lights' were used on Avengers for camouflage research, automatically adjusting brightness to match the sky for reduced visibility, not to improve pilot visibility.
Besides bombs and torpedoes, what other type of ordnance could the Avenger carry?
Answer: Up to eight 3.5-inch or 5-inch rockets.
Explanation: The Avenger could also be armed with up to eight 3.5-inch or 5-inch rockets.
What was the maximum speed of the TBF Avenger?
Answer: 278 mph
Explanation: The maximum speed of the TBF Avenger was approximately 278 mph.
What was the service ceiling of the Avenger?
Answer: 22,600 feet
Explanation: The Avenger had a service ceiling of approximately 22,600 feet.
What was the fully loaded operational range of the Avenger?
Answer: 1,000 miles
Explanation: The Avenger had a fully loaded operational range of approximately 1,000 miles.
NACA used Avengers in wind tunnel tests to study engine performance.
Answer: False
Explanation: NACA utilized Avengers in wind tunnel tests primarily for studies related to drag reduction and camouflage techniques, not engine performance.
Post-military Avengers were primarily used as trainers for new pilots.
Answer: False
Explanation: Post-military Avengers were primarily converted for civilian roles such as agricultural spray-applicators and water-bombers, not as trainers for new pilots.
Forest Protection Limited (FPL) operated the world's largest fleet of civilian Avengers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Forest Protection Limited (FPL), based in New Brunswick, Canada, operated the largest civilian fleet of Avengers.
RNZAF Avengers were used in early trials for aerial topdressing in New Zealand.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1945, Royal New Zealand Air Force Avengers were used in trials for aerial topdressing, a process that significantly boosted agricultural productivity.
The Royal Canadian Navy replaced Avengers with the Grumman S-2 Tracker for improved range and safety.
Answer: True
Explanation: The RCN transitioned to the Grumman S-2 Tracker because it offered superior range, greater capacity, and the safety benefit of a second engine for long-range ASW patrols.
How did NACA utilize the Avenger in camouflage research?
Answer: In wind tunnel tests for drag reduction and camouflage studies.
Explanation: NACA utilized Avengers in wind tunnel tests primarily for studies related to drag reduction and camouflage techniques, fitting them with "Yehudi lights" to match sky brightness.
What was a common primary post-military use for many Avenger aircraft?
Answer: Agricultural spray-applicators and water-bombers.
Explanation: Many Avengers were converted for civilian roles such as agricultural spray-applicators and water-bombers, particularly for firefighting operations.
Which Canadian organization operated the world's largest fleet of civilian Avengers?
Answer: Forest Protection Limited (FPL)
Explanation: Forest Protection Limited (FPL), based in New Brunswick, Canada, operated the largest civilian fleet of Avengers.
Why did the Royal Canadian Navy eventually replace its Avengers with the Grumman S-2 Tracker?
Answer: The Tracker offered superior range, capacity, and twin-engine safety.
Explanation: The RCN transitioned to the Grumman S-2 Tracker because it offered superior range, greater capacity for electronics and weaponry, and the safety benefit of a second engine for long-range ASW patrols.
George H. W. Bush, later U.S. President, flew Avengers and survived being shot down.
Answer: True
Explanation: Future U.S. President George H. W. Bush served as a naval aviator flying a TBM Avenger and survived being shot down during a mission.
Actor Paul Newman was a pilot of the TBF Avenger during World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: Actor Paul Newman served as a rear gunner in an Avenger, as he was unable to qualify as a pilot due to color blindness.
The disappearance of Flight 19, consisting of five Avengers, contributed to the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.
Answer: True
Explanation: Flight 19, a training mission involving five Avengers, famously disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle, contributing to the area's mysterious reputation.
A Royal Navy Avenger gunner successfully shot down a V-1 flying bomb in mid-air.
Answer: True
Explanation: Leading Airman Fred Shirmer, a Telegraphist Air Gunner in a Royal Navy Avenger, successfully shot down a V-1 flying bomb on July 9, 1944.
Future U.S. President George H. W. Bush flew which type of aircraft during his naval service?
Answer: Grumman TBM Avenger
Explanation: Future U.S. President George H. W. Bush served as a naval aviator flying a TBM Avenger.
What famous incident involving five Avengers contributed to the legend of the Bermuda Triangle?
Answer: The disappearance of Flight 19.
Explanation: Flight 19, a training mission involving five Avengers, famously disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle, contributing to the area's mysterious reputation.
Pilots described the Avenger as highly agile and nimble, similar to a fighter aircraft.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pilots generally described the Avenger as stable and rugged, often likening its handling to that of a truck, rather than agile or nimble like a fighter aircraft.
The Avenger's stable handling and good radio capabilities made it suitable for use by Commanders, Air Group (CAGs).
Answer: True
Explanation: The Avenger's good radio capabilities, stable handling characteristics, and long operational range made it an ideal platform for CAGs to command air groups from.
The Japanese Nakajima B5N torpedo bomber generally outperformed the Avenger in terms of service ceiling and range.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Avenger generally outperformed the Japanese Nakajima B5N 'Kate' in terms of service ceiling and operational range.
Escort carrier sailors nicknamed the TBF Avenger 'fighter' due to its speed and maneuverability.
Answer: False
Explanation: Escort carrier sailors nicknamed the TBF Avenger 'Turkey' due to its large size and perceived lack of maneuverability, not 'fighter'.
How did pilots typically describe the handling characteristics of the Avenger?
Answer: Like a stable, rugged truck.
Explanation: Pilots generally described the Avenger as stable and rugged, often likening its handling to that of a truck, rather than agile or nimble like a fighter aircraft.
Why was the Avenger considered a suitable command aircraft for Commanders, Air Group (CAGs)?
Answer: Its good radio, stable handling, and long range.
Explanation: The Avenger's good radio capabilities, stable handling characteristics, and long operational range made it an ideal platform for CAGs to command air groups from.
Compared to the Japanese Nakajima B5N 'Kate', the Avenger generally offered:
Answer: Higher service ceiling and longer range.
Explanation: The Avenger generally outperformed the Japanese Nakajima B5N 'Kate' in terms of service ceiling and operational range.
What nickname did escort carrier sailors give the TBF Avenger, and why?
Answer: 'Turkey' due to its large size and perceived lack of maneuverability.
Explanation: Escort carrier sailors nicknamed the TBF Avenger 'Turkey' due to its large size and perceived lack of maneuverability, not 'fighter'.