When you hang out at the airport, sometimes you just get a lucky shot. This Avenger came to an air museum open house today next to my home base. As you can see, the Nikon 1 V1 with the FT-1 and updated firmware, make the Nikon 1 V1 a much improved aviation camera.
The Grumman TBF Avenger was a WWII torpedo bomber. Those designated TBM were manufactured by General Motors. They were developed for the United States Navy and Marine Corps and entered service in 1942. They first saw action during the Battle of Midway and went on to become an outstanding torpedo bomber in WWII.
While flying a TBM with VT-51, future President George H.W. Bush was shot down on 2 September 1944 over the Pacific island of Chichi Jima. Both of his crew mates were killed, but he released his payload and hit the target before bailing out. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Paul Newman also flew as a rear gunner in an Avenger. He hoped to be accepted for pilot training, but did not qualify due to being color blind.
