HB-RDG
Grumman Avenger
Baujahr / Built in:

1945

Pilot oder Besitzer / Pilot or owner:

Laurent Calame

Stationiert in / Stationed in:

Lausanne LSGL

Motor / Engine:

Wright Double Cyclone R-2600-20
Leistung / Performance:

500 km/h
Abmessungen / Measurement:

12 x 16 x 5 meters

Max. Abfluggewicht / Max. takeoff weight:

9200 kg

Weitere Informationen / More information

The Lausanne (LSGL)-based TBM-3E Avenger (ex G-BTDP, ex N3966A) bearing Swiss registration HBRDG since 2007 – still owned and operated by the Charlie’s Heavy Association - is powered with the original 1925 hp Wright Double Cyclone R-2600-20 engine. It kept its U.S.Navy markings until 2009. The cockpit and rear part of the cabin underwent a step-by-step restoration. During the winter 2009-2010, the 3-R transport variant was retrofitted into an 3-E torpedo-bomber with the fitting of an original dorsal turret fully restored by Harland Avezzie (N.Y.) in 1’500 man-hours. At the same time, the aircraft got the markings of an Aéronavale TBM, to commemorate the 100th year of the French Navy’s foundation. Quite an realisticlooking (wooden) white-and-red torpedo was constructed and fixed into the bomb-bay. Following two airshow seasons displayed in that livery, the TBM’s landing gear underwent a complete overhaul. During the winter pause 2011-2012, the aircraft was put back into its U.S. markings, this time in the scheme of Marine Torpedo Squadron 132 based 1945 on the escort carrier U.S.S. Cape Gloucester (CVE-109). In that period, thirty-three combat aircraft were based on the 12'000 tons Commencement Bay -class carrier, 12 ot which being TBM-3Es. The yellow cowling optically counter-balances the twin yellow bands around the rear fuselage and on the lower left- and upper right-wing. Two 220 l / 58 U.S. gal. droppable wing tanks fitted between the fuselage and main landing gear legs give the warbird extra range for remote airshow locations.