The Grumman TBF Avenger was a torpedo bomber developed initially for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, and eventually used by several air or naval arms around the world. It entered U.S. service in 1942, and first saw action during the Battle of Midway. Launching torpedoes from the air was the special task of this Avenger aircraft here seen taking off from the flight deck of a U.S aircraft carrier operating against the Japanese in the Pacific. Powered by a 1700 hp. Wright Cyclone engine, and armed with .50 and .30 calibre machine-guns and one 22-in. torpedo, the Avenger had a speed of 270 miles an hour. In May 1944 it was announced that the U.S. Navy alone would soon have a force of 37,700 planes.