Did the TBF/TBM ever have dive brakes?

[bradfordkay]

I ran across a description of George Herbert Walker Bush's combat over Chichi Jima where it stated "diving so steeply that it felt like he was standing on his head", which leaves me to wonder if they ever operationally equipped those aircraft with dive brakes. I have found no mention of that ever happening, but figured that if it did someone here would know...

[JeffroK]

I dont believe so
http://www.scribd.com/doc/56154104/1945 ... 3-Airplane
Page 28 states "steep prolonged dives are not permitted in this aircraft" (TBF-3)
In a qick read I dont see any reference to Dive Brakes.
Mr Bush may be exaggerating as is not uncommon amongst recollections of combat.

[AW1Steve]

On the other hand , Ens. Bush had a reputation for going through aircraft.(and flight crews..[X(]) The one he lost at Chi-Chi Jima was the Barbra III.

[DivePac88]

I read somewhere that the TBM could be used as a dive bomber surprisingly effectively, if the landing gear were lowered to act as dive brakes.

[Cpt Sherwood]

You can't really dive bomb without a bomb crutch to clear the prop. I think he was talking about glide bombing, which they did do.

[wdolson]

He may have been diving to avoid heavy flak or something like that.

Bill

[Gregg]

No dive brakes were ever fitted to the TBM/TBF.
Gregg

[bradfordkay]

Thanks, guys... that description seemed a little off for an attack with an Avenger.