Wednesday, June 23, 2010

About the B-25 Specifications

I found a couple of websites that provide an overview of the development of the B-25 in the late 1930s for use as a medium bomber including information about the different models of the B-25 from the B-25A to the B-25B used in the Doolittle Raid through models C-H, to the B-25J that was eventually used as a fire fighting air tanker, and later models. These websites may be found here and here. Both sites are worth checking out, I hope that you take a few moments to do so.

At least some of the B-25’s that, after being modified, saw service, in some cases limited service, as fire fighting air tankers were model J’s. Fortunately, this site, that I referred you to in the preceding paragraph has specifications for a B-25 model J that I am reproducing here.

North American B-25J “Mitchell” Medium Bomber

Dimensions
Wing span: 67 ft. 7 in.
Length: 51 ft
Height: 16 ft. 4 in.
Wing Area: 610 sq. ft.

Weights:
Empty: 19,530 lb.
Gross: 26,122 lb.
Maximum take-off: 35,000 lb.

Performance:
Maximum speed: 285 mph (458 kph) at 15,000 ft.
Cruising speed: 230 mph (370 kph)
Service ceiling: 24,200 ft
Normal range: 1,350 miles with 3,000 lbs. of bombs
Maximum range: 2,200 miles with ferry tanks

Powerplant:
Two R-2600-29 Wright ‘Cyclone’ 14 cylinder, air cooled radial engines development 1,700 hp each for take-off.

Armament:
Eighteen .50 caliber M-2 Colt-Browning machine guns. Up to 3,200 lbs. of bombs.

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