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.
I have blogged about aerial wildland firefighting since 2009. I am not a firefighter and am not a pilot, just an interested bystander who wants to learn more and share what I learn here. Join me here as I blog on the aircraft and the pilots who fight wildland fires from the air in support of crews on the ground. I also blog on concerns affecting fire crews on the ground as well as other aviation and meteorology issues. Learn what it takes to do jobs that are staffed by the best of the best.
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