The Avenger, a versatile WWII aircraft, was heavily produced despite its flaws. Known for its adaptability and ruggedness, it served in various roles across multiple theaters of war, contributing significantly to naval operations. Characteristics ISBN-13 0684164523 ISBN-10 0 7110 0957 0 Book cover finish(es) Hardcover ( rounded spine binding ) Special Features Dust jacket Condition Very Good Author(s) Barrett Tillman Publisher Ian Allan Ltd Number of pages 128 Published date 1979 Language(s) English Size 22 x 30 x 1,5 cm Categorie(s) • AVIATION MILITAIRE• APPAREILS - CONSTRUCTEURS• SECONDE GUERRE MONDIALE Description Few people, not even those who flew it and loved it, would claim the Avenger was the best aircraft of World War II. It was overly heavy, burdened with excess equipment it seldom used, and underpowered. But despite its shortcomings, 10,000 were produced between 1942-1945 — more than any other US Navy aircraft except the Corsair and Hellcat — the British Fleet Air Arm had 14 squadrons of them — called Tarpons until 1944 — and New Zealand took a number.As a weapons' platform the Avenger was supremely adaptable, able to carry bombs, torpedoes, rockets and depth charges, functioning as dive bomber, torpedo bomber, day bomber, night bomber (and even, when flown by Charles Henderson, as an interceptor!); they had a great range capability, often more than their accompanying fighter cover, and they were, above all, rugged, able to sustain damage and yet still get home. No wonder then that Avengers were found from Midway to Guadalcanal, Saigon to Tokyo, Morocco to Normandy and that they helped destroy 60 Japanese warships.