DOUGLAS SBD DAUNTLESS TYPE DJ-20 x 4 TANK FUEL INDICATOR

The Douglas SBD1 Dauntless first entered service with the United States Navy in mid 1939 but its limited fuel carrying capacity made it unsuitable for extended or long-range missions. 

With two main tanks of only 90 gal and two auxiliary 15 gal, taking into account the time required to assemble aircraft participating in a combat mission and the time spent on landing and taxiing after returning from a mission, as well as the fuel required for combat and the corresponding reserve, the SBD-1 had an effective combat radius of less than 200 nautical miles. 

Finding the SBD-1 unsuitable, 57 aircraft were passed onto the US Marine Corp whilst the Navy awaited some critical modifications

In late 1940, the USN’s remaining 87 SBD-1 aircraft from the original order were heavily modified with the two internal 15 gal Auxiliary fuselage tanks removed and 4 x 65 gal wing tanks installed in the wing consoles.

Renamed the Dauntless SBD-2, unfortunately the increased weight of the fuel almost negated the improvements made to the aircraft’s operational range requiring removal of one of the fuselage’s 12.7mm machine guns to curb weight.

The increase in operational range also saw the installation of an autopilot to assist the pilot during long missions.

The Dauntless was to undergo numerous modifications and improvements throughout its operational life including the installation of protective armour plating around the crew area, self-sealing fuel tanks and a more powerful Wright R-1820-60 Cyclone engine in the SBD-5.

The SBD-5’s archaic telescopic sight was replaced with a new reflex sight and additional suspension points were mounted on the wings for a pair of 58-gallon  drop tanks, which brought the reconnaissance range to 1,340 nautical miles, whilst the SBD-6 boasted the even larger Wright R-1820-66 Cyclone engine. 

This original, vintage General Electric Type DJ-20 is a genuine veteran of the USN's War in the Pacific, having been removed from an operational aircraft.

Complete with its manufactures plate, intact glass facing and distinctive 'U anchor S' yellow casing stamp, it truly is a remarkable and rare instrument relic of the iconic USN dive bomber made famous during the battle of Midway.

Mounted in its 100 yr old Mango Wood Display Stand with Engraved Plaque, Laminated Colour Fact Sheet and highly detailed, custom built SBD Dauntless Model atop its magnetic arm, this would make a fantastic pilot gift or a one-of-a-kind suprise for that special aviation enthusiast in your life. 

This SBD-2 Dauntless Instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.

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