The Northrop BT-1 was a dive bomber operated by the US Navy. First flying on 19 August 1935, a total of 55 were built. Poor handling characteristics restricted its use to only two aircraft carriers, USS Yorktown (CV-5) and USS Enterprise (CV-6). A revised version, incorporating fully retracted undercarriage, leading edge slots, a more powerful engine and a redesigned canopy became the BT-2. An order for 144 was received for the US Navy and they were delivered as the Douglas SBD Dauntless, as Northrop had been taken over and incorporated in Douglas.
#NorthropBT1 of Bombing 6 aboard USS Enterprise. The Northrop BT-1 was a #DiveBomber operated by the #USNavy. A total of 55 were built. A revised version became the BT-2. 144 were delivered as the Douglas SBD Dauntless, as #Northrop had been taken over by Douglas. #USN #NavalHistory #aviation