B-25C
| World War II aircraft | |
| B-25C Mitchell | |
| |
| Variant of | B-25 Mitchell |
|---|---|
| Type | Medium Bomber |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Manufacturer | North American |
| Crew | 5 |
| Dimensions | Wing span 67' 7" (20.60 m) Length 52' 11" (16.13 m) Height 15' 9" (4.80 m) |
| Internal fuel | 670 Gallons |
| how to edit | |
Contents
The B-25C in World War II[edit]
Although the B-25 was originally designed to bomb from medium altitudes in level flight, it was used frequently in the Southwest Pacific theater (SWPA) on treetop-level strafing and parafrag (parachute-retarded fragmentation bombs) missions against Japanese airfields in New Guinea and the Philippines. These heavily-armed Mitchells, field-modified by Major Paul I. "Pappy" Gunn, were also used on strafing and skip-bombing missions against Japanese shipping trying to re-supply their land-based armies.
Development[edit]
Improvements on the B-25B included anti-icing and deicing systems, better cabin heating, a different carborator, plexiglas windows for the navigator and radio operator, and a heavier nose armament.
The B-25D is virtually identical to the C, with the Cs being manufactured in Inglewood, CA while the Ds were built in the Kansas City factory.
Unit Deployment[edit]
Under the leadership of Lt. Gen. George C. Kenney, B-25s of the Fifth and Thirteenth Air Forces devastated Japanese targets in the SWPA from 1942 to 1945, and played a significant role in pushing the Japanese back to their home islands. B-25s were also used with devastating effect in the Central Pacific, Alaska, North Africa, Mediterranean and China-Burma-India (CBI) theaters.
The US Navy and Marine Corps took delivery of B-25C/Ds under the designation PBJ-1C/D.
External Links[edit]
Historical Documents
| Aces High II aircraft | |
| B-25C Mitchell | |
| |
| Variant of | B-25 Mitchell |
|---|---|
| Type | Bomber/Attacker |
| Aces High II loadout options | |
| Package 1 | 1x .50cal MG, 300 rounds 2x .50cal MG in top turret, 400 rpg 1x .50cal MG in nose turret, 300 rnds |
| Package 2 | 8x .50cal MG, 350 rounds/gun 2x .50cal MG in top turret, 400 rpg Bombsight unavailable due to solid nose strafer configuration |
| Package 3 | 8x .50cal MG, 350 rpg 2x .50cal MG, 400 rpg Bombsight unavailable due to semi- solid nose strafer configuration |
| Options | 3x 1000lb bombs, or |
| 6x 500lb bombs, or | |
| 8x 250lb bombs, or | |
| 12x 100lb bombs | |
| Aces High II Main Arenas | |
| Earliest MA | Early War |
| Typical perk cost | 0 (Late War) |
| ENY value | 30 (Late War) |
| Available on carrier | no |
| how to edit | |
The B-25C in Aces High II[edit]
With a light bomb load and poor defensive armaments the B-25C is relegated to only small niche in AcesHigh. Often it is flown only for sentimental reasons or in many of the fine events found in the Special Arenas. With many available planes that are faster, more heavily armed and armored, the B-25C is rarely found. Carrying only 3,000 lbs of ordnance on board her loadout represents the lower half of planes typically carrying bombs.
Engine Power[edit]
Aces High II Performance Charts[edit]
Firepower[edit]
Depends on how you look at it. For strafing its one of the best you can get on the strafer options, with your guns doing as much damage as the 2 cannons and 2mgs found on many planes. Bomb load is less impressive, but still decent with a maximum of 3x 1000lb bombs, 6x 500lb bombs 8x 250lb bombs, or 12x 100lb bombs. defemsively your pretty bad off, but better then all bombers mounting 303. caliber weapons. You have a twin .50 cal mount in top, and with the glass nose version you have a single .50 cal mount in the nose, not even worth giving up 6 mgs you loose over the strafer options unless you plan on using it as a level bomber, and even then, you'll be better off using the B-26.
Maneuverability[edit]
The maneuverability can be best described as poor in all aspects compared to most non bombers. Keeping your formation, which is your best defense, intact is a primary concern. As such, large movements or turns are to be avoided when near the enemy. In the event you find yourself in a position that turning is warranted be aware. The elevators have enough authority to break your wingtips at most speeds. This is especially true when heavily laden with fuel and ordnance.
Fighting in the B-25C[edit]
As with all bombers the best defense is found with good escort flying several thousand feet above you. However, many pilots in AceHigh, particularly in the main arenas, will not escort a light bomber such as the B-25C. Without an escort the B-25C's best defense is flying in a three plane formation with altitude and airspeed. With its particularly weak defensive guns you will not survive many close encounters with the enemy. Your best bet is to be above them at speed to avoid contact all together. Your odds of surviving in the Early and Mid war environment improve, if only slightly. Typically expert pilots attack bombers with high speed, out of the sun, from the high rear quarter. Your top turret will provide only a marginally defensive fire against such an attack. A particularly savvy opponent may elect to attack from a low rear quarter. This takes advantage of the lack of defensive coverage found on the low rear quarter. Your only defense against such an attack is to start a temporary climb or turn. Should you find your self being attack from the 12 position a small turn or climb is advised. Given the large closure rate and weak forward defense any damage to your attacker will be largely luck for most.
Fighting against the B-25C[edit]
The lightly armored B-25C will prove a relatively easy kill for many late war rides regardless of altitude. Its slow top speed of around 275 at approximately 15,000 feet is a major weakness. The rear quarter is defended by only two M2 50 caliber Browning machine guns in the top turret. If you find yourself approaching from the dead six position drop below his altitude. Beware tho, some of the more skilled pilots may pitch up or turn to enable their top gun a shot.
