The Douglas TBD Devastator was the principal carrier-borne torpedo bomber available to the US Navy when the war began in the Pacific. The TBD had been a very modern design at first, being the first monoplane ordered for the USN. Distinguishing features included a large greenhouse-style canopy, hydraulically-operated folding wings, and the vaunted Norden bombsight. It was also notable for the corrugated ribs on its wings and empennage. Despite its modern design, by the time of Pearl Harbor it was totally outclassed by superior Japanese aircraft like the 'Kate' as well as the TBF Avenger which was on the verge of entering service. Main deficiencies included poor protection, limited range, and slow speed and ceiling when armed with a Mark 13 torpedo (itself a very deficient weapon at the start of the war). Unfortunately there was nothing available to replace it until the Battle of Midway which meant that the US had to endure the first six months of war with this inadequate aircraft. Still, they met some success against Japanese shipping in the opening months of the conflict but were slowly phased out as soon as the TBF Avenger began entering service in greater numbers. During Midway, 35 out of 41 Devastators available for battle were lost in a single action and it never again saw front-line service.

The prototype XTBD-1 first flew on 15 April 1935 and entered service one year later as the TBD-1 which different from the prototype only by a more powerful Twin Wasp engine, a taller canopy over the pilot's cockpit and powered wing folding. It was the only major producton variant save for a one-off TBD-1A floatplane conversion. Production was limited due to the prompt availability of its successor, the TBF Avenger, after 1942.