Aircraft sit on the smoldering flight deck of USS Lexington (CV-2) during the Battle of the Coral Sea, 8 May 1942 (80-G-16802)

The Douglas TBD Devastator was a torpedo bomber used by the United States Navy during World War II. It was designed and built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. The TBD Devastator was introduced in 1937 and served as the primary torpedo bomber for the US Navy until 1941. It had a crew of three, including a pilot, radioman/gunner and tail gunner. The aircraft had a distinctive single large fin and retractable landing gear. However, the TBD Devastator quickly became obsolete as aircraft technology advanced rapidly during the war. It was known for its slow speed and lack of manoeuvrability, making it vulnerable to enemy fighters. The aircraft's shortcomings were highlighted during the Battle of Midway in 1942, when most of the Devastators sent into battle were shot down without causing significant damage to the Japanese fleet. Following the Battle of Midway, the Douglas TBD Devastator was phased out of frontline service and replaced by more advanced torpedo bombers such as the Grumman TBF Avenger. Despite its limited success in combat, the TBD Devastator played a crucial role in the early stages of the Second World War and helped pave the way for future torpedo bomber designs.