How to Bring the TBM Avenger to Your Show

On December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft tore through the skies of Pearl Harbor in an attack on the US Pacific Fleet—thus drawing the United States into the throes of World War II. This was a war that would see over fifty million people lose their lives and a world forever changed. In the early days of this war, an aircraft emerged as one of the most important and useful in America’s arsenal—the TBM. Nicknamed the Avenger, to avenge the attack at Pearl Harbor, the TBM was a key player since the Battle of Midway in every carrier versus carrier battle in the Pacific. Whether thundering off the deck of the San Jan Quinto under the control of the Navy’s youngest aviator, George Bush, or roaring out of Henderson field on Guadalcanal, the TBM’s were key in the delivery of devastating blows to the Japanese military. In order to educate people about this extensive history and honor those who participated in it, we have restored the Avenger to its original stock condition and make it as accessible and interactive for the public as possible.

I. Quality of Restoration

When people go to an airshow, they especially appreciate seeing a fully restored aircraft that mirrors exactly what the aircraft looked like when it flew in combat. Yet, most of the Avengers flying today are not restored to a level of stock authenticity. Instead of a well-detailed crew compartment, many are gutted and bare. The cockpits look more like something out of a Cessna Citation than a torpedo bomber.

However, in looking in and around the Collings Avenger, it is clear that the aircraft was restored to utmost authenticity. In fact, the torpedo bay, with its torpedo, is so well detailed that veterans who stick there head up into it are often whisked back in time and find themselves looking at a scene reminiscent of their days in combat. Accordingly, whether discussing our fully operational turret, crew compartment, or totally stock cockpit— it is clear that this Avenger has been restored with authenticity as a priority. The people attending your airshow will see a true warbird—not a hybrid between warbird, fire bomber, and weekend toy.

II. Fully Interactive

After seeing an aircraft perform its routine in the sky, the crowd is always eager to rush over and meet the pilot and see the aircraft that flew in the show. Often times, the ability for people to do this is limited and it is quite rare that people can actually tour the aircraft. However, in the case of the Collings TBM, we fully encourage this interaction. We offer full tours of the aircraft so that people may walk up on the wing and view the cockpit, stick their head in the crew compartment, and see the one ton torpedo hanging in the torpedo bay. In addition to this, the flight crew is always available to answer questions and guide these tours. Normally, the Foundation asks for a small donation to help with the operating expenses—but this could be waived if the airshow includes a $500.00 addition to the appearance fee. Finding World War II-era naval aircraft for shows is not easy, and finding one that is this accessible is harder still. Accordingly, for veterans especially, this can be a very moving and thought-provoking experience that will be remembered for a long time.

If there is anything else that we can do to help accommodate you and enhance the quality of your show, please let us know. We are here to help.

Find out more about our TBM Avenger...