SBD-3 Dauntless USS Enterprise Die-Cast Model

Piloted by Cpt. Jack “Dusty” Kleiss of the Scouting Six.

Homed from the USS Enterprise, SBD-3 Dauntless S-7 was piloted by Cpt. Jack “Dusty” Kleiss. Assigned to the Scouting Six squadron under command of Wade McClusky, Kleiss is credited with successful hits on the Japanese “Kaga” aircraft during the Battle of Midway. Helping sink one of three carriers that were destroyed on the 4th of June 1942, Kleiss received the Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Presidential Unit Citation in 1944. 

Features:

• Authentic paint scheme, engraved panel lines, printed decals, antennas, and surface details
• Deployed or retracted landing gear
• Attachable press-fit weaponry
• Opening canopy and pilot figurines
• Moving control surfaces
• Functional dive brakes
• Spinning propeller
• Measures 12.5”l with a 15.75” wingspan at 1:72 scale
• Officially licensed

History and Specifications:
Primary carrier-based dive bomber for the United States Navy at the start of WWII, the Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless did not have impressive performance figures. Rising up against heavy resistance in the Pacific, the aircraft's pilots bravely defied this fact to strike some of the most powerful targets in the Japanese fleet. Fending off heavy anti-aircraft fire and numerous fighters along the way, it struck heavy blows to the enemy war effort. Receiving the nickname "Slow But Deadly" for its lumbering presence yet powerful weaponry, the Dauntless was well liked by pilots and achieved a remarkable positive air-to-air combat ratio for the time.