In 1943 the US Navy requested ways to increase the power of the Avenger. In response an improved Avenger with a 2000 hp R-2800 engine and a 250CE turret was created. The high demand for the engine for other higher priority aircraft prevented the design study from progressing but the need for additional engine power for the Avenger was recognized.

The TBM-3 retained the gun armed wing of the TBF-1C with Mk 5 zero-length rocket launchers standardized in place of the earlier Mk 4 rocket rails. The cockpit instruments were re-arranged and to improve the pilots night vision the instrument panel lighting was changed from direct ultra violet lighting to indirect red lighting. It was also one of the first to carry an electrically operated gun turret.

Item Type Plastic Model Aircraft Kit

Model Dimension Length: 171mm Wingspan: 229.3mm
Length: 6.73” Wingspan: 9.02”

Total Sprues 7 sprues

Photo Etched Parts 1 sheet
Window mask
Detailed rear turret
Detailed pilot's cockpit
Detailed Wright R-2600-20 Twin Cyclone engine
Internal bomb bay with photo etch detail
Several ordnance options included
Wings can be open or folded
Ventral details include a .30 cal gun, tail hook and tailwheel