[DuncanM]

The weight of the TBD is also a bit of a mystery. Some sources give an empty weight of 6182lb and some state 5600lb.

Using 5600lb empty weight we get the following:

aircraft:5600lb
fuel : 1200lb
Crew: 600lb
Torpedo: 2200lb (additional weight for fairing)
9600lb (full fuel and torpedo.)

9862lb is often given as the loaded weight.

However if the empty weight = 6182 lb, then max TO weight with full fuel and a torpedo rises to 10182lb and coincidently most sources state a max TO weight of 10176lb to 10192lb. However, if we add 300lb for armour, plus extra weight for additional avionics and armament, then a mid 1942 gross weight with full fuel might be 10600+ lbs. When we consider also that these were all high time airframes, probably with high time engines, then the pilot's reports of abysmal performance and very poor ceiling begin to make sense.