Planes of Fame Flight Demo: General Motors TBM-3E Avenger Startup

#aviation #aviationphotography #aviationhistory #warbirds #flight
Captured the full setup and start up from Planes of Fame's Flight Demo day in Chino, CA
0:01 Highlights from the startup (engine start/wings deployed)
02:05 Start of full routine (false engine starts and all)
04:28 Full engine start
05:40 Engine ramp up/stabilize
07:55 Wings deployed
09:30 Flaps checked
09:55 Roll
The General Motors TBM-3E Avenger was a World War II-era torpedo bomber aircraft that was used primarily by the United States Navy. Produced from 1942 to 1945, the TBM-3E Avenger was designed to carry torpedoes, bombs, and rockets, making it a vital tool in naval operations during the war.
With a wingspan of 54 feet and a length of 40 feet, the TBM-3E Avenger was powered by a single Wright R-2600 radial engine. It had a maximum speed of 276 mph and a range of approximately 1,000 miles. One of the most distinctive features of the Avenger was its large bomb bay, which was capable of carrying up to 2,000 pounds of weapons.
In addition to its ability to carry torpedoes and bombs, the TBM-3E Avenger was also equipped with machine guns for use in air-to-air combat. It typically had two .50 caliber Browning M2 machine guns mounted in the wings and a single .30 caliber machine gun in the rear turret.
The TBM-3E Avenger saw action in some of the most significant naval battles of World War II, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Okinawa. It was also used in anti-submarine warfare, where its ability to carry torpedoes made it a valuable asset in hunting down German U-boats.
After the war, many TBM-3E Avengers were converted for civilian use, including crop dusting and firefighting. A few examples of the TBM-3E Avenger still remain in flying condition today and are regularly seen at airshows and other aviation events.
Overall, the General Motors TBM-3E Avenger was an important aircraft in World War II and played a significant role in naval operations. Its versatility and ability to carry a variety of weapons made it a valuable asset, and its design laid the foundation for future torpedo bombers and other naval aircraft.