| Description | ||
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Eastern (GM) | |
| Base model: | TBM | |
| Designation: | TBM | |
| Version: | -3E | |
| Nickname: | Avenger | |
| Service: | U.S. Navy / Marines | |
| Basic role: | Torpedo Bomber | |
| Designation Period: | 1935-1946 | |
| Modified Mission: | Special electronic installation | |
| Specifications | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length: | 40' 11" | 12.4 m | |
| Height: | 16' 5" | 5.0 m | |
| Wingspan: | 54' 2" | 16.5 m | |
| Wingarea: | 490.0 sq ft | 45.5 sq m | |
| Empty Weight: | 10,545 lb | 4,782 kg | |
| Gross Weight: | 14,160 lb | 6,421 kg | |
| Max Weight: | 17,895 lb | 8,115 kg | |
| Propulsion | |||
| No. of Engines: | 1 | ||
| Powerplant: | Wright R-2600-20 | ||
| Horsepower (each): | 1900 | ||
| Performance | |||
| Range: | 1,130 miles | 1,819 km | |
| Cruise Speed: | 147 mph | 236 km/h | 127 kt |
| Max Speed: | 276 mph | 444 km/h | 240 kt |
| Climb: | 2,060 ft/min | 627 m/min | |
| Ceiling: | 30,100 ft | 9,174 m | |
The QAM's Avenger was acquired from Hick & Lawrence Aerial Applicators, Ontario Canada, where it had been used as a Spruce Bud Worm Sprayer. The Aircraft made a forced landing in the N.W. Maine Wilderness due to engine problems in May 1972, where it sat until QAM learned of it's existance in 1989.
QAM's Historic Aircraft Recovery Team (HART) made 4 expeditions to the crash site to prepare it for recovery.
On Sept. 18,1991 with the cooperation of the CT. Army National Guard, the TBM was Airlifted out of the Maine wilderness by a CH- 54B Skycrane Helicopter and flown to Pittsfield Airport. The Avenger was then loaded onto a flatbed truck provided by Tilcon- Tomasso and transported back to the Quonset Air Museum, arriving on Oct.18,1991.
The QAM's TBM Avenger is Navy BuNo. 53914.If Proper funding can be secured the QAM would like to restore the TBM to flyable condition. Interested Donors are encouraged to contact the Aircraft Restoration Committee or make a donation to our Aircraft Restoration & Recovery Fund. THANK YOU !
Source: Howard K. Weekley Jr.