Douglas T2D

The Douglas T2D was an American twin engine torpedo bomber contracted by the military, and required to be usable on wheels or floats, and operating from aircraft carriers. It was the first twin-engined aircraft to be operated from an aircraft carrier.

Development and design
In 1925, the United States Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics designed a twin-engined torpedo bomber aircraft, intended to have greater performance than contemporary single-engined aircraft. A single prototype was built by the Naval Aircraft Factory as the XTN-1, which was quickly followed by three identical aircraft built by Douglas, the T2D-1.

The XTN/T2D was a large two bay biplane, capable of easy conversion between floats and wheels, and carrying a crew of four.

Operational history
The first three T2D-1's were delivered to the torpedo bomber squadron VT-2 on 25 May 1927, being used for successful trials aboard the aircraft carrier USS Langley (CV-1). A further nine T2D-1's were ordered in 1927, these normally being operated as floatplanes, partly owing to criticism from the Army of the Navy operating large land based bombers, and partly as its large size prevented Langley from embarking a full airwing.

A further 18 aircraft were ordered in June 1930 as patrol floatplanes, being designated P2D-1. These were operated by Patrol Squadron VP-3 in the Panama Canal Zone until they were replaced by Consolidated PBYs in 1937.

Variants

 * XTN-1
 * Original prototype built by Naval Aircraft Factory. One built.


 * T2D-1
 * Production aircraft, convertible torpedo bomber/patrol floatplane, powered by Wright R-1750 Cyclone. 12 built.


 * P2D-1
 * Dedicated patrol floatplane. Fitted with twin tail for improved engine out performance and powered by two R-1820 Cyclones. 18 built.

Operators

 * United States Navy
 * United States Navy