During February of 1943 the Navy requested to research ways to raise the power associated with the Avenger. In reaction undertook a design research of an improved Avenger with a 2000 hp R-2800 motor and a 250CE turret. The high demand for the motor for any other greater concern aircraft prevented the design research from progressing but the need for extra motor energy for the Avenger was now recognized.
The TBM-3 retained the gun armed wing regarding the TBF-1C with Mk 5 zero-length rocket launchers standardized as opposed to the earlier Mk 4 rocket rails. The cockpit instruments were re-arranged and also to improve the pilots evening vision the tool panel lighting had been changed from direct ultra violet lighting to indirect red lighting.