SB2C Helldiver

The SB2C Helldiver was primarily used by the US Navy as a carrier-based dive bomber in the Pacific Theater during World War II, starting in November 1943. It served in major campaigns including Rabaul, the Marianas, Philippines, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Post-WWII, it saw service with the French Navy in Indochina and other nations. 
 
Key details regarding its usage include:
Operational Debut: First flew combat missions on November 11, 1943, attacking Rabaul.
Pacific Theater Battles: Played a significant role in the battles of the Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Key Operations: Used in attacks against the Japanese home islands and the sinking of the battleship Yamato.
Post-War Service: Continued in active US Navy service until 1947 and with the Naval Reserve until 1950.
International Use: Used by the French Navy in the First Indochina War (1951–1954), as well as by Greece (including the Greek Civil War), Italy, Portugal, and Thailand.
Variants: While early models (SB2C-1) were plagued by issues, later, more effective models (SB2C-3, SB2C-4, and SB2C-5) saw extensive action. 
 
The aircraft was designed as a replacement for the Douglas SBD Dauntless.