Best Pre 1942 Carrier Torpedo Bomber

[syscom3]

Originally Posted by plan_D

If we're solely comparing the Swordfish Mk.I to the B5N2 and disregarding everything but the torpedo-bomber role, then the B5N2 is quite extensively superior to the Swordfish.

The Swordfish was not completely fabric covered; the front sections were metal and the lower wings on the Mk.II were also metal. The survivability on both types was poor if any enemy aircraft were about.

All the torpedo bombers were painfully slow when carrying their torpedo, especially when going in for the bomb run. The Swordfish was the more stable of them all when doing the low speed run required to drop the torpedo.

I'm not saying the Swordfish is the best but it can't be written off instantly because looks older than the rest.

This is striclty for the torpedo role, through the middle of 1942, when the Avenger began to be deployed.

Ultimatly, the aircraft must be able to carry its torpedo at a fast enough rate to keep up with the carriers fighters and dive bombers, as well as out to a good range.

[trackend]

Originally Posted by FLYBOYJ

Actually I said the opposite...

Sorry Joe, still you're used to me making the odd **** up

[FLYBOYJ]

Originally Posted by trackend

Sorry Joe, still you're used to me making the odd **** up

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

Originally Posted by plan_D

I'm not saying the Swordfish is the best but it can't be written off instantly because looks older than the rest.

I agree, I am certainly not trying to take away anything from the Swordfish. It was a great aircraft and performed with distinction throughout the war but when compared to more modern Torp Bombers such as the Kate and eventually the Avenger it was outdated and outclassed due to its design.

[trackend]

I totally agree Adler

[Soundbreaker Welch?]

Gave my vote to the Swordfish, on acount of the huge Bismarck getting horribly burned and drowned by this plane's torpedos.

Sunk to Davy Jones.

[syscom3]

Originally Posted by Soundbreaker Welch?

Gave my vote to the Swordfish, on acount of the huge Bismarck getting horribly burned and drowned by this plane's torpedos.

Sunk to Davy Jones.

Only one torpedo hit the Bismark that did any damage.

But look at the scores of warships the Kate as responsible for (in part or whole).

[Lucky13]

Kate, hands down I'm afraid.