Intended to replace the Douglas TBD Devastator in the role of carrier-based torpedo plane. Flown by the likes of George Bush, it had a fat fuselage and rectangular surfaces the TBF was rather ugly and was nicknamed the "Turkey" by its pilots, but it was a sturdy and reliable aircraft of advanced concept. The Grumman TBF "Avenger" made its debut in combat during the same event in which the TBD left the scene; in June 1942, during the battle of Midway. It was, however, not a successful debut. Of the six Avengers that took part in the action, five did not return to the aircraft carrier Hornet. In addition the attacks made by the Avengers did not produce even one hit against the Japanese naval squadron. Nevertheless, this initial failure was fully redeemed by the aircraft’s subsequent career. The large and heavy torpedo plane eventually proved to be one of the U.S. Navy’s strong points during the last three years of the war. In all, 9,836 TBF’s came off the assembly lines in various versions. The last ones being produced in June 1945. Having distinguished careers in both the Pacific and Atlantic, they were kept in front-line service until 1954. During World War II, not only did the Avenger serve the U.S. Navy, but also fought under the British Fleet Air Arm and New Zealand. After the war they served in Canada, France, the Netherlands, and Japan itself.

The TBF project was launched on April 8th, 1940, when the U.S. Navy ordered both from Grumman and Chance Vought two prototypes for a new carrier-based torpedo plane. Designated XTBF-1 and XTBU-1 respectively. Although they had no previous experience with this particular type of combat plane, the Grumman engineers fully exploited the company’s long tradition of building naval fighters and succeeded in creating a prototype that was far superior to its rival. Its maiden flight took place o August 1, 1941. A crew of three was foreseen, and the aircraft could house a torpedo or the equivalent weight in bombs in its hold. As for defensive armament, it was planned to install 12.7 mm fixed machine gun in the front of the fuselage, another similar weapon in a dorsal turret, and a 7.62 mm flexible machine gun. The aircraft was powered by a 1,700 hp Wright radial engine, driving a three-blade variable pitch propeller.

On January 3, 1942, the first TBF-1 (of 286 ordered) came off the assembly line, and by May a total of 85 had been produced. Despite its rather unsuccessful debut, there was soon a growing demand for the aircraft, and consequently production at the Grumman factory (which built 2,293 TBF-1’s) was supported by Eastern Aircraft (a division of General Motors), which built the aircraft on license with the designation TBM.

In the meantime, the original project had been developed further. Following the construction of an XTBF-2 prototype (in the spring of 1942) fitted with a more powerful engine, the TBF-3 was born. The TBF-3 was fitted with a 2,000 hp Wright Cyclone engine and other notable improvements especially in bomb capacity. This version exclusively produced by Easter Aircraft totaled 4,664 in number. The British Royal Navy received 222, which went to equip the units based on the aircraft carriers Formidable, Illustrious, Indefatigable, and Victorious. The last Avenger was the XTBM-4, in which the wings and fuselage were reinforced, although it never saw active duty. Avengers also carried radar equipment for the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and EAW roles.