SBD cockpit differences between the variants

[falcon1974]

Hello, I recently purchased the Trumpeter SBD-5 version and was wondering about getting the Kelik 3D cockpit decal set for it but the set is designed for the -3 version.  What are the differences if any and would they be noticeable if installed again if any?  Thanks in advance.

[mechanic]

Good afternoon! To do this, you need to know what changes were made to the machine from version 3 to version 5. This is a translation from the website airwar.ru : "SBD-3 was a Dauntless, finally brought up to combat standards. Protected fuel tanks (all wing tanks, with a total capacity of 260 gallons (984 liters)), crew armor protection and armored glass in the cockpit lamp appeared on the Dauntlesses starting with the SBD-3. The installation of additional equipment entailed an increase in weight and, as a result, a slight decrease in performance. In order to maintain the characteristics at an acceptable level, weight reduction measures were carried out, in particular, the duralumin skin was replaced with a lighter one made of alkyd (clad aluminum) and all equipment for keeping the aircraft afloat when landing on water was withdrawn. The 12.7mm machine gun, which was usually removed on the SBD-2, was returned to its place - firepower was recognized as more important than saving weight. The R-1820-32 engine was replaced with a new Wright Cyclone R-1820-52 engine of the same power and the ventilation flap on the rear edge of the hood increased in size. "The SBD-4, which appeared at the front in the last days of 1942, differed from the SBD-3 only in small details. The main changes took place not outside but inside the car, in particular, the onboard power grid became 24-volt and not 12-volt, which made it possible to install additional radio navigation equipment and aviation radar."The SBD-5 variant finally got what Dauntless needed most - a more powerful engine. 1200 hp Wright R-1820-60 Cyclone was installed on the aircraft, but due to the increased weight of the equipment, the maximum speed increased by only 11 km / h and the cruising speed even slightly decreased. The external differences from the old models were reduced to the absence of the carburetor air intake, the reduction of the hood flaps and the transfer of the engine cooling slot. The archaic telescopic sight was replaced with a new, reflex sight. Suspension points were mounted on the wings for a pair of 58-gallon (219 l) drop tanks, which brought the radius of reconnaissance flights to 1,340 nautical miles (2,483 km)." That's all the differences. The most important thing is the appearance of a radar and a new engine. It's from this stove that you have to dance ...)) I hope it helped.

And I can't insert pictures...(

 

 

[falcon1974]

Wow and thank you very much!  Sounds like it’s safe to use the -3 cockpit set for the -5 then.  Thanks again!