124 Curtiss SB2C

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Publisher: Profile Publications England
Cover: Soft
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Synopsis: The Heinkel He111H represents the backbone of the Luftwaffe's medium bomber force throughout World War II, evolving from a pre-war airliner design into Germany's most numerous and widely used bomber that participated in every major campaign from Poland to the final desperate defense of the Reich. This comprehensive profile examines the development of this distinctive twin-engine bomber under the Günter brothers' design leadership at Heinkel, creating an aircraft that combined excellent flying characteristics with substantial payload capacity and sufficient range for strategic operations across Europe. The book details the aircraft's evolution from the earlier He111P variant, incorporating more powerful Junkers Jumo 211 engines that improved performance and payload capacity while maintaining the proven aerodynamic design that made the He111 one of the war's most recognizable aircraft. Technical specifications reveal the He111H's capabilities: powered by two Jumo 211F engines producing 1,350 horsepower each, achieving maximum speed of 252 mph at 16,400 feet, with maximum range of 1,280 miles and bomb load capacity up to 5,500 pounds depending on mission requirements and fuel load configuration. The profile analyzes the aircraft's distinctive design features including the fully glazed nose section providing excellent visibility for bombardier and navigator, asymmetrical cockpit layout with pilot positioned to port, and robust construction capable of absorbing significant battle damage while remaining controllable. Armament analysis covers the defensive weapon installation including one 20mm MG FF cannon in the nose, multiple 7.92mm MG 15 machine guns in dorsal, ventral, and beam positions, providing comprehensive defensive coverage against fighter attacks from all angles. Operational history chronicles the He111H's service beginning with the Polish campaign in September 1939, where the aircraft demonstrated its effectiveness in tactical bombing operations supporting Wehrmacht ground forces. The book examines major operations including the Battle of Britain where He111s formed the backbone of daylight bombing attacks against British airfields, ports, and industrial targets despite suffering heavy losses to RAF fighters. Combat accounts detail typical bombing missions over Britain, analyzing formation tactics, defensive procedures, and the devastating effectiveness of RAF fighter attacks that forced tactical changes and eventual shift to night operations. The profile covers extensive Eastern Front operations where He111s provided crucial tactical support during Operation Barbarossa, attacking Soviet airfields, transportation networks, and troop concentrations throughout the massive campaign. Technical sections examine various sub-variants including the He111H-4 with improved armament, the He111H-6 with enhanced bomb-carrying capability, and specialized variants equipped for torpedo attacks against Allied shipping. The book details the aircraft's adaptation to anti-shipping operations in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, where He111s attacked Allied convoys with bombs and torpedoes despite intense defensive fire from naval vessels. Night bombing operations receive extensive coverage, analyzing the aircraft's role in the London Blitz and subsequent bombing campaigns against British cities where He111s demonstrated their effectiveness in strategic bombing missions. The profile examines the aircraft's service in secondary roles including transport operations, where He111s delivered supplies to surrounded German forces at Stalingrad and other isolated positions throughout the later war period. Notable operations featured include precision attacks on British radar installations, the devastating bombing of Coventry, and transport missions during the desperate final months of the war when He111s carried supplies to increasingly beleaguered German forces. Production analysis reveals over 7,300 He111s of all variants manufactured, demonstrating the aircraft's importance as Germany's primary medium bomber throughout the conflict and its crucial role in virtually every Luftwaffe bombing operation from 1939 to 1945.

124 Curtiss SB2C, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.