| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 1383 |
| Military Code: | 9-B-12 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Vought SB2U Vindicator (V-156) |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Vought SB2U Vindicator |
| Aircraft Version: | Vought SB2U-2 Vindicator |
| C/n (msn): | |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Navy |
| Unit Markings: | VB-9 |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Pensacola - NAS / Forrest Sherman FieldMap |
| Region / Country: | Florida, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: KNPA IATA: NPA Local: NPA Other: - |
| Collection: | National Museum of Naval Aviation |
| Photo Date: | 13 December 2024 |
| Photo by: | Richard Vandervord |
| Photo ID: | 766885 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
Built in 1939, this was the last SB2U-2 to be constructed and is now also the only surviving example of the Vindicator carrier dive-bomber. The type remained in service at the time of the Battle of Midway, but by 1943 all had been withdrawn to training units. While assigned to USS Wolverine, in June 1943 it crashed into Lake Michigan after a landing accident, the pilot being rescued after the aircraft slid off the carrier's deck. It was recovered in 1990 and after restoration was marked as an aircraft of USS Essex This photo is copyright © Richard Vandervord, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 10 January 2025, and has since been viewed 47 times. |