Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Die-cast Model

Curtiss SB2C Helldiver – White 208, VB-83, USS Essex, U.S. Navy, April 1945

1:72 Scale.  Length: 6".  Wingspan: 8.25"


Limited production of approximately 400 models worldwide

On April 1, 1945 VB-83 launched from the USS Essex during the battle for Okinawa. On April 7 the squadron was involved in the attack on the Japanese fleet including the battleship Yamato that was sunk. Some of the early production SB2C-4 Helldivers wore a tricolor paint scheme and VF-83 found the new SB2C-4 a vast improvement over earlier variants. VB-83 and their aircraft were involved in WWII battles right up to August 15, 1945 when the war ended.

The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was a carrier-based dive-bomber aircraft produced for the U.S Navy during World War II. It was developed as a replacement for the SBD Dauntless. The SB2C was first flown on December 18, 1940 but, because of production delays due to design changes, it did not make its combat debut until November 11, 1943 with U.S. Navy squadron VB-17 on the USS Bunker Hill. The SB2C was sometimes referred to as “the Beast”, because of its size and rather poor handling characteristics. In spite of its problems, the aircraft was flown through the last two years of the Pacific war with a fine combat record. A total of 7,140 SB2Cs were built in several variants. It remained in active service with the U.S. Navy until 1947 and with U.S. Navy Reserve units until 1950.


Hobby Master is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, diecast models. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. They are made with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a SB2C Helldiver features: