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Prepped for Display


WWII dive bomber

The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola is restoring a World War II dive bomber recovered this summer after more than 65 years at the bottom of the Lower Otay Reservoir off the coast of California. The aircraft, one of only six known SB2C Helldivers still in existence among the more than 5,000 built, was ditched in 1945 after the engine failed during a practice dive-bombing run. Following its restoration — which could take up to five years and cost tens of thousands of dollars — the plane will be displayed among the museum's 150 aircraft.