Difference between revisions of "PBJ-1J"

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{{Specs-Card|code=pbj_1j}}
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{{About
 +
|about= American strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
|usage= the other version
 +
|link= PBJ-1H
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=pbj_1j
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.41]].
 +
 
 +
Design of the B-25 was the result of years of work and failed bids to win contracts with the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC). Initially designed to meet requirements for a payload of 1,200 lb (540 kg), a range of 1,200 mi (1,900 km) and flying at speeds faster than 200 mph (320 km/h), prototypes were built, tested and refined. Although the original XB-21 and NA-40 never materialized into a production aircraft, requirements from the USAAC came out in March of 1939 for a medium bomber carrying a payload of 2,400 lb (1,100 kg) over 1,200 mi (1,900 km) at speeds around 300 mph (480 km/h), North American modified their design of NA-40 and developed the NA-62 which went into prototype testing as the YB-25 and then ordered into production as the B-25.
 +
 
 +
The B-25 turned out to be the archetype of the medium bomber, carrying upwards of 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) of bombs and could fly at speeds up to 340 mph (547 km/h). This twin-engine bomber was fast, it could carry a large payload for its size and had several defensive turrets and gunner stations at which it could defend itself from almost any angle. To increase its versatility, several models had forward-facing fixed machine guns fitted into the nose and the cheeks of the aircraft. Later models opted to removed the glazed nose and bombardier/nose-gunner station and outfit more machine guns and even a 75 mm autocannon for strafing ground targets and especially ships. This medium bomber at times acted more like a heavy attacker opting for low-level flights which would skim treetops and the ocean to sneak up on unwary targets. It was not uncommon for B-25s to fly just above the mast/smokestack height of enemy ships when attacking.
 +
 
 +
As later models moved from the dedicated bomber position and morphed into more of an attacker role, bomb payloads were reduced to allow for more armour around the cockpit and more offensive weapons and ammunition to fill the attacker mode it took on, especially under the command of U.S. Marine Corps squadrons. With more than 10,000 B-25 aircraft variants built, they saw action in all theatres of war and were even subject to part of the lend-lease program which China and the USSR benefited from. So versatile was this aircraft that a flight of them were specifically outfitted and their crews trained to take off from an aircraft carrier and bomb mainland Japan in a daring raid. Impressive for an aircraft not meant to take off from an aircraft carrier.
 +
 
 +
The B-25 is a fantastic bomber, attacker or both and will suit many different pilots and their different approaches to the battlefields found in War Thunder. The tail gunner has been known to set many fighters alight with their dual .50 calibre machine guns and help to prolong the life of this bomber to allow the pilot to make it to their target whether it is to bomb it or strafe it.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,390 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 435 || 422 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.3 || 38.5 || 5.4 || 5.4 || rowspan="2" | 850
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 480 || 457 || 34.8 || 36.0 || 10.6 || 7.7
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| 591 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 382 || 320 || 293 || ~5 || ~2
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 270 || < 320 || < 350 || > 320
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Lower nose armour plate
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot and Co-pilot's seats
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armour plate
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel - Side armour cockpit plates
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel - Cockpit rear plate
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel - Dorsal gunner aft plate
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Side gunners armour plate x 2
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel - Tail gunner protective armour plate
 +
* 12 mm Bulletproof glass - Dorsal gunner turret
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Tail gunner canopy
 +
 
 +
Rugged, sturdy, though, the PBJ-1J is all of those things. Featuring crew armour protection that outclasses the [[B-17G-60-VE|B-17 ''Flying Fortress'']] in a handier, smaller design, the PBJ-1 is a though nut to crack and even harder to devoid of crew. Calibres above 20 mm are a must for a quick kill, otherwise the PBJ-1J will repay in kind. For going all defence is good, but all offence, too? It is called overkill, of the pursuit fighter.
 +
 
 +
The two Wright R-2600 air-cooled radial engines are themself hard to destroy and with dropped payload the PBJ will just keep flying on a single damaged one. Denying underarmed fighters the ability to lethally cripple it. Yet this aurcraft has got one downside: Fuel tanks. While present in all planes, the armour, crew and bomb bay take up all the fuselage. Leaving only space in the wings. A common cause of crash is hence a fire and thus a structural failure of the wingspar.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 8 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 3,200 total)
 +
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, cheek-mounted (400 rpg = 1,600 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
 +
{{main|AN-Mk 1 (1,600 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
 +
* 8 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (3,200 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (600 rpg = 1,200 total)
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turret (250 rpg)
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The '''PBJ-1J''' is the U.S. Navy version of the B-25J-1 ''Mitchell'', however, these aircraft were assigned to U.S. Marine Corps marine bomber squadrons (VMB) as land-based bombers or ground attackers. This aircraft is virtually identical to its cousin, the PBJ-1H ''Mitchell'', which is also just ground attack variant of the U.S. Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force '''B-25 Mitchell''' bomber. The only notable difference between the 1H and 1J model aircraft is that the 1J removes the 75 mm cannon and replaces it with an additional 4 x 12.7 mm Browning machine guns in the nose. Otherwise the same strategy and tactic for the 1H apply to the 1J. Fly almost at treetop levels in order to demotivate high altitude fighters from diving on you, and attack enemy ground targets. Ensure to use ground targets belts in order to maximize the effectiveness against light and medium tanks. Keep in mind that medium tanks will require precise aiming at the rear armour or roof from optimal angles in order to be effective. Reserve bombs for targets the PBJ-1J's machine guns under any circumstance cannot deal with (like heavy tanks and pillboxes, this is especially critical in Realistic and simulator battles as it is necessary to land on an airfield in order to retrieve new bombs).
 +
 
 +
While the PBJ can be effective at engaging other bombers, only engage enemy fighters if a good opportunity appears where an enemy is already engaged with another plane or is in low energy state (like stalling, taking off or landing). In these situations, the twelve 12.7 mm machine guns will make short work of virtually all single-engined fighter aircraft even at long range with ground target belts. That said, under no circumstances should the plane be used to actively pursue enemy fighters since any remotely competent pilot will be able to outmanoeuvre you once they become aware of your presence. Ideally, a PBJ-1J should operate in close proximity to friendly fighters who can support it if it is engaged. As a last resort, you can use your twelve 12.7 mm machine guns to spray in a head-on attack if the opponent is foolish enough to do so.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* AP ammo is able to destroy medium and light tanks, as well as light pillboxes
 +
* Excellent defensive firepower, utilizing most of the B-25 Mitchell's gun positions
 +
* Durable airframe which can withstand numerous hits before going down
 +
* Tricycle landing gear makes takeoff and landing easier
 +
* Large ammo capacity
 +
* A staggering 12 x 12.7 mm Browning machine guns all fuselage mounted, providing excellent firepower at any range against soft targets
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Bombload is limited compared to B-25 Mitchell
 +
* Poor energy retention
 +
* Poor turn and climb rate
 +
* Slow top speed and acceleration both in level flight and in dives
 +
* Twin tails create blindspot for gunners, a trait carried by the B-25 family
 +
* The added four 12.7 mm machine guns hardly make up for the lack of a 75 mm cannon like on the 1H variant
 +
* Stock model M2 which lacks advanced ammo belt options, making it inadequate at virtually everything
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The name breakdown: PBJ-1J = '''P'''atrol '''B'''omber '''J''' (J is the designation for the builder North American), '''-1''' (1st variant), '''J''' model.
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
North American PBJ-1J Mitchell twin-engine torpedo bomber/anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft
 +
 
 +
In addition to the USAAF's army aviation, B-25s of various versions were also used by American naval aviation, both in the USN's aviation forces and in the US Marine Corps, under the designation PBJ-1.
 +
 
 +
The version code usually coincided with the USAAF's code. For example, the B-25J bomber was re-designated the PBJ-1J. There were two exceptions to this rule: the B-25B was named just the PBJ-1, and the PBJ-1G was a torpedo bomber based on the B-25C or the B-25D (since the B-25G version was never in service with naval aviation forces).
 +
 
 +
So, the PBJ-1J generally corresponded to the B-25J bomber; only its radio equipment differed from that of the army machine.
 +
 
 +
The aircraft used for anti-submarine patrolling were often equipped with an AN/APS-2 radar scanner (AN/APS-3 later), whose antenna was located under the fuselage in the extendable housing, in the area of the lower turret. The antenna would extend into the air and be withdrawn before landing. There were also machines with AN/APS-3 radar housing protruding out of the upper section of the bombardier/navigator's cockpit or located on the right wing tip.
 +
 
 +
Some PBJ-1J bombers were produced with the AN/APS-3 radar mounted in a container in the right wing panel. But the mounting of a radar antenna in the aircraft's forward fuselage was considered better by the USMC's aviation units, and so the Marines often shifted it to the nose section on their own.
 +
 
 +
The combat load of Navy Mitchells included torpedoes and depth bombs. Ten PBJ-1J aircraft from Squadron VMB-12 could carry two 292 mm Tiny Tim unguided air-to-ground rockets under their fuselage.
 +
 
 +
All naval PBJ-1s operated only from land-based airfields.
 +
 
 +
Navy PBJ-1s entered service with the USN's aviation fighting units in March 1943. The planes were used for the first time in combat in December 1943, on the island of Espiritu Santo, as anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft.
 +
 
 +
The USMC began to use PBJ-1s in March 1944. Marine Corps PBJ-1s participated in the Battles of the Philippines, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. 15 USMC squadrons armed with PBJ-1 aircraft took part in military operations.
 +
 
 +
A total of 706 PBJ-1 aircraft were built for naval aviation forces, including 255 PBJ-1Js (J-11, J-17, J-22, J-27, J-32, and J-37 production series).
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=pbj_1j Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
+
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[B-25 (Family)]]
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
 +
* de Havilland [[Mosquito (Family)|Mosquito]]
 +
* Douglas [[DB-7 (Family)|DB-7]]
 +
* Douglas [[A-26 (Family)|A-26 ''Invader'']]
 +
* Tupolev [[Tu-2 (Family)|Tu-2]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/474942-pbj-1j/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
 +
{{USA strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 10:23, 4 November 2023

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the American strike aircraft PBJ-1J. For the other version, see PBJ-1H.
PBJ-1J
pbj_1j.png
GarageImage PBJ-1J.jpg
PBJ-1J
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.0 3.7 4.0
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The PBJ-1J is a rank III American strike aircraft with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/SB) and 3.7 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.41.

Design of the B-25 was the result of years of work and failed bids to win contracts with the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC). Initially designed to meet requirements for a payload of 1,200 lb (540 kg), a range of 1,200 mi (1,900 km) and flying at speeds faster than 200 mph (320 km/h), prototypes were built, tested and refined. Although the original XB-21 and NA-40 never materialized into a production aircraft, requirements from the USAAC came out in March of 1939 for a medium bomber carrying a payload of 2,400 lb (1,100 kg) over 1,200 mi (1,900 km) at speeds around 300 mph (480 km/h), North American modified their design of NA-40 and developed the NA-62 which went into prototype testing as the YB-25 and then ordered into production as the B-25.

The B-25 turned out to be the archetype of the medium bomber, carrying upwards of 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) of bombs and could fly at speeds up to 340 mph (547 km/h). This twin-engine bomber was fast, it could carry a large payload for its size and had several defensive turrets and gunner stations at which it could defend itself from almost any angle. To increase its versatility, several models had forward-facing fixed machine guns fitted into the nose and the cheeks of the aircraft. Later models opted to removed the glazed nose and bombardier/nose-gunner station and outfit more machine guns and even a 75 mm autocannon for strafing ground targets and especially ships. This medium bomber at times acted more like a heavy attacker opting for low-level flights which would skim treetops and the ocean to sneak up on unwary targets. It was not uncommon for B-25s to fly just above the mast/smokestack height of enemy ships when attacking.

As later models moved from the dedicated bomber position and morphed into more of an attacker role, bomb payloads were reduced to allow for more armour around the cockpit and more offensive weapons and ammunition to fill the attacker mode it took on, especially under the command of U.S. Marine Corps squadrons. With more than 10,000 B-25 aircraft variants built, they saw action in all theatres of war and were even subject to part of the lend-lease program which China and the USSR benefited from. So versatile was this aircraft that a flight of them were specifically outfitted and their crews trained to take off from an aircraft carrier and bomb mainland Japan in a daring raid. Impressive for an aircraft not meant to take off from an aircraft carrier.

The B-25 is a fantastic bomber, attacker or both and will suit many different pilots and their different approaches to the battlefields found in War Thunder. The tail gunner has been known to set many fighters alight with their dual .50 calibre machine guns and help to prolong the life of this bomber to allow the pilot to make it to their target whether it is to bomb it or strafe it.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 390 m457 km/h
Turn time36 s
Max altitude5 800 m
Engine2 х Wright R-2600-29
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight16 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,390 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 435 422 5800 37.3 38.5 5.4 5.4 850
Upgraded 480 457 34.8 36.0 10.6 7.7

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
591 294 382 320 293 ~5 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 270 < 320 < 350 > 320

Survivability and armour

Crew6 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear294 km/h
  • 8 mm Steel - Lower nose armour plate
  • 8 mm Steel - Pilot and Co-pilot's seats
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armour plate
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Side armour cockpit plates
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Cockpit rear plate
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Dorsal gunner aft plate
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Side gunners armour plate x 2
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Tail gunner protective armour plate
  • 12 mm Bulletproof glass - Dorsal gunner turret
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Tail gunner canopy

Rugged, sturdy, though, the PBJ-1J is all of those things. Featuring crew armour protection that outclasses the B-17 Flying Fortress in a handier, smaller design, the PBJ-1 is a though nut to crack and even harder to devoid of crew. Calibres above 20 mm are a must for a quick kill, otherwise the PBJ-1J will repay in kind. For going all defence is good, but all offence, too? It is called overkill, of the pursuit fighter.

The two Wright R-2600 air-cooled radial engines are themself hard to destroy and with dropped payload the PBJ will just keep flying on a single damaged one. Denying underarmed fighters the ability to lethally cripple it. Yet this aurcraft has got one downside: Fuel tanks. While present in all planes, the armour, crew and bomb bay take up all the fuselage. Leaving only space in the wings. A common cause of crash is hence a fire and thus a structural failure of the wingspar.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB708 → 977 Sl icon.png
RB1 166 → 1 610 Sl icon.png
SB2 578 → 3 560 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 750 Rp icon.png
32 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
50 / 110 / 220 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
790 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
790 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods bulletproof vest.png
Protective vest
Research:
790 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
790 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC-25
Research:
790 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC-25
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_turret_belt_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC-17
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg50_turret_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
AN-Mk 1
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
LBC-8
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 112 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition4 800 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The PBJ-1J is armed with:

  • 8 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 3,200 total)
  • 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, cheek-mounted (400 rpg = 1,600 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (6)
Setup 112 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bomb
Setup 28 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb
Setup 34 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Setup 43 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb
Setup 52 x 1600 lb AN-Mk 1 armor-piercing bomb
Setup 61 x 2000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb
Main articles: AN-M30A1 (100 lb), AN-M57 (250 lb), AN-M64A1 (500 lb), AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb), AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)
Main article: AN-Mk 1 (1,600 lb)

The PBJ-1J can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
  • 8 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (3,200 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition800 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
2 х Turret12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition250 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1200 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The PBJ-1J is defended by:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (600 rpg = 1,200 total)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turret (250 rpg)

Usage in battles

The PBJ-1J is the U.S. Navy version of the B-25J-1 Mitchell, however, these aircraft were assigned to U.S. Marine Corps marine bomber squadrons (VMB) as land-based bombers or ground attackers. This aircraft is virtually identical to its cousin, the PBJ-1H Mitchell, which is also just ground attack variant of the U.S. Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force B-25 Mitchell bomber. The only notable difference between the 1H and 1J model aircraft is that the 1J removes the 75 mm cannon and replaces it with an additional 4 x 12.7 mm Browning machine guns in the nose. Otherwise the same strategy and tactic for the 1H apply to the 1J. Fly almost at treetop levels in order to demotivate high altitude fighters from diving on you, and attack enemy ground targets. Ensure to use ground targets belts in order to maximize the effectiveness against light and medium tanks. Keep in mind that medium tanks will require precise aiming at the rear armour or roof from optimal angles in order to be effective. Reserve bombs for targets the PBJ-1J's machine guns under any circumstance cannot deal with (like heavy tanks and pillboxes, this is especially critical in Realistic and simulator battles as it is necessary to land on an airfield in order to retrieve new bombs).

While the PBJ can be effective at engaging other bombers, only engage enemy fighters if a good opportunity appears where an enemy is already engaged with another plane or is in low energy state (like stalling, taking off or landing). In these situations, the twelve 12.7 mm machine guns will make short work of virtually all single-engined fighter aircraft even at long range with ground target belts. That said, under no circumstances should the plane be used to actively pursue enemy fighters since any remotely competent pilot will be able to outmanoeuvre you once they become aware of your presence. Ideally, a PBJ-1J should operate in close proximity to friendly fighters who can support it if it is engaged. As a last resort, you can use your twelve 12.7 mm machine guns to spray in a head-on attack if the opponent is foolish enough to do so.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • AP ammo is able to destroy medium and light tanks, as well as light pillboxes
  • Excellent defensive firepower, utilizing most of the B-25 Mitchell's gun positions
  • Durable airframe which can withstand numerous hits before going down
  • Tricycle landing gear makes takeoff and landing easier
  • Large ammo capacity
  • A staggering 12 x 12.7 mm Browning machine guns all fuselage mounted, providing excellent firepower at any range against soft targets

Cons:

  • Bombload is limited compared to B-25 Mitchell
  • Poor energy retention
  • Poor turn and climb rate
  • Slow top speed and acceleration both in level flight and in dives
  • Twin tails create blindspot for gunners, a trait carried by the B-25 family
  • The added four 12.7 mm machine guns hardly make up for the lack of a 75 mm cannon like on the 1H variant
  • Stock model M2 which lacks advanced ammo belt options, making it inadequate at virtually everything

History

The name breakdown: PBJ-1J = Patrol Bomber J (J is the designation for the builder North American), -1 (1st variant), J model.


Archive of the in-game description

North American PBJ-1J Mitchell twin-engine torpedo bomber/anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft

In addition to the USAAF's army aviation, B-25s of various versions were also used by American naval aviation, both in the USN's aviation forces and in the US Marine Corps, under the designation PBJ-1.

The version code usually coincided with the USAAF's code. For example, the B-25J bomber was re-designated the PBJ-1J. There were two exceptions to this rule: the B-25B was named just the PBJ-1, and the PBJ-1G was a torpedo bomber based on the B-25C or the B-25D (since the B-25G version was never in service with naval aviation forces).

So, the PBJ-1J generally corresponded to the B-25J bomber; only its radio equipment differed from that of the army machine.

The aircraft used for anti-submarine patrolling were often equipped with an AN/APS-2 radar scanner (AN/APS-3 later), whose antenna was located under the fuselage in the extendable housing, in the area of the lower turret. The antenna would extend into the air and be withdrawn before landing. There were also machines with AN/APS-3 radar housing protruding out of the upper section of the bombardier/navigator's cockpit or located on the right wing tip.

Some PBJ-1J bombers were produced with the AN/APS-3 radar mounted in a container in the right wing panel. But the mounting of a radar antenna in the aircraft's forward fuselage was considered better by the USMC's aviation units, and so the Marines often shifted it to the nose section on their own.

The combat load of Navy Mitchells included torpedoes and depth bombs. Ten PBJ-1J aircraft from Squadron VMB-12 could carry two 292 mm Tiny Tim unguided air-to-ground rockets under their fuselage.

All naval PBJ-1s operated only from land-based airfields.

Navy PBJ-1s entered service with the USN's aviation fighting units in March 1943. The planes were used for the first time in combat in December 1943, on the island of Espiritu Santo, as anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft.

The USMC began to use PBJ-1s in March 1944. Marine Corps PBJ-1s participated in the Battles of the Philippines, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. 15 USMC squadrons armed with PBJ-1 aircraft took part in military operations.

A total of 706 PBJ-1 aircraft were built for naval aviation forces, including 255 PBJ-1Js (J-11, J-17, J-22, J-27, J-32, and J-37 production series).


Media

Skins

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


North American Aviation
Fighters 
P-51A  P-51 · P-51A
P-51C  P-51C-10
P-51D  P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30
P-51H  P-51H-5-NA
Twin-engine fighters  F-82E
Jet fighters  F-86A-5 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-35 · F-100D
Strike aircraft  A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J
  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
Bombers  B-25J-1 · B-25J-20
Export/Licence  ▂B-25J-30 · ␗B-25J-30
  ▄Mustang Mk IA · F-6C-10-NA · ␗P-51C-11-NT · ␗P-51D-20 · J26 David · J26 · P-51D-20-NA · ␗P-51K
  F-86F-30 ▅ · ␗F-86F-30 · F-86F-40 ▅ · F-86F-40 JASDF▅ · ␗F-86F-40
  ◄F-86K · ▄F-86K (Italy) · ▄F-86K (France)
  ␗F-100A · ▄F-100D · ␗F-100F
Captured  ▅P-51C-11-NT
  Canadair Limited license-built the F-86 as the CL-13 for use in Canada and export to Europe.
  Fiat license-built the F-86K for the Italian Air Force though another 120 NAA built F-86Ks were also sold to the Italians.
See Also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Canadair Limited · Fiat Aviation

USA strike aircraft
Douglas  A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · A2D-1 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H
North American  A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J
Other  AM-1 · AU-1 · XA-38

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