Great Lakes XTBG explained

The Great Lakes XTBG-1 was an American prototype torpedo bomber, intended for service in the United States Navy as part of that service's plan to modernise its aerial striking force in the mid-1930s. The XTBG-1 was outperformed by the competing TBD Devastator, however, in addition to having instability problems[1] and only a single prototype of the three-seat design was constructed during 1935.[2]

Design

Featuring retractable landing gear and a fully enclosed weapons bay for its torpedo, the XTBG-1 had the unusual feature of the torpedo-aimer seated forward of the wing, in a small, enclosed compartment.[3]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.nwrain.net/~newtsuit/recoveries/tbd-1/tbd001.htm Douglas TBD-1 Devastator
  2. Book: Swanborough, Gordon. United States Navy Aircraft since 1911. 1990. Putnam Aeronautical Books. 0-87021-792-5.
  3. Book: Doll, Tom . SB2U Vindicator in action . Aircraft Number 122 . 1992 . Squadron/Signal Publications . Carrollton, Texas . 0-89747-274-8 . 4.