Difference between revisions of "B-25J-20"

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{{Specs-Card|code=b_25j_20}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=b_25j_20}}
{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[B-25_(Disambiguation)|B-25 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = American bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = B-25 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
 
 
== 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 a 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.'' -->
 
 
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating|1}}.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.29]].
 +
 
 +
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 kph), 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 kph), 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 kph). 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.
 +
 
 +
[[File:B-25j-20 bomberpilot1784 001.jpg ‎|400px|thumb|left|Front view of the '''{{PAGENAME}}''' displaying the nose art for ''Briefing Time''.]]
 +
 
 +
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 benefitted 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.''-->
+
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
 
 +
[[File:B-25j-20 nagatoo bf 001.jpg ‎|500px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' searching for enemy Japanese ships to sink.]]
 +
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,049 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
| 420 || 407 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.4 || 33.8 || 5.4 || 5.3 || 750
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,049 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
| 472 || 444 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.7 || 31.0 || 10.6 || 7.7 || 750
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
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==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flap
 
! Landing flap
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
| X || X || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| || || || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ??? || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 430 || ~4 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 270 || < 320 || < 350 || > 320
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 104: Line 107:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 1,676 m || 1,700 hp || 1,850 hp
 
|-
 
|-
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
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! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
Line 112: Line 115:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
+
| 4,115 m || 1,450 hp || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 10 mm steel - front, sides & rear of the cockpit
 +
* 10 mm steel - the rim of pilot seats
 +
* 8 mm steel - below nose gunner
 +
* 8 mm steel - pilot seats
 +
* 9.5 mm - bulkhead after of dorsal turret
 +
* 6.35 mm steel - aft of waist gunners
 +
* 9.5 mm steel - tail turret
 +
* 38 mm bulletproof glass - tail turret
  
* No armour plating
+
Rugged, sturdy, though, the B-25 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 Mitchell is a tough nut to crack and even harder to devoid of the crew. Calibres above 20 mm are a must for a quick kill, otherwise, the B-25 will repay in kind. Gunner positions throughout the bomber effectively cover the front, sides, top and rear of the aircraft with just the underbelly left relatively unprotected to fighters rising in a power climb. The rear gunner with his dual .50 calibre machine guns is especially devastating when they are trained on a tailing enemy fighter.
* No armour glazing
 
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* More fuel tanks located in wings near the fuselage
 
  
 +
The two Wright R-2600 air-cooled radial engines are themself hard to destroy and with dropped payload, the Mitchell can keep flying on just a single damaged engine, denying under armed fighters the ability to lethally cripple it. Yet this aircraft does have an Achilles heel, its fuel tanks. While present in all planes, the armour, crew and bomb bay take up all the necessary space within the fuselage, while leaving only space in the wings to house the fuel tanks. A common downfall of this aircraft is the structural failure of the wing spar due to wing fires of the fuel tanks.
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
[[File:B-25j-20 darvaen ita 001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' flying at its cruising altitude.]]
 
=== 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.''
+
<!-- ''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|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
+
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
 +
* 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, cheek-mounted (400 rpg = 1,600 total)
 +
 +
Intended for strafing ground targets the sextuple AN/M2 heavy machine guns do an excellent job. Situated in the nose and along the cheeks the fire power is not as concentrated as on the [[A-20G-25|A-20G]] or [[A-26 (Family)|A-26 Invader]], but quite better than on many US fighter designs. And many potential intercepters quickly realised this difference, too. Unlike with wing placed armament which has to content with gun convergence, the nose mounted design always aims true in the horizontal. Thus fire can be opened at any range and as the B-25 is blessed with substantial amount of ammunition can afford to miss. Head-ons are hence more often than not a sure fire bet for the Mitchell quite unlike for a medium bomber.
  
* 4 x 7.5 mm [[MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)|MAC 1934]] machine guns (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
+
Dousing an enemy in gun fire sure looks impressive with the B-25's Tracers belt. A shame all versions only receive the pre-war M1 Tracer bullet in their belts. The true champion in destruction power and fire chance is the M8 AP-I bullet found in the Omni-Purpose and Stealth belts. Both come recommended for any use, may it be air, ground or naval. The M2 AP bullet found in the Ground belt adds little in penetration and may safely be foregone even in Mixed battles for the flexibility the other two belts offer.
-->
+
=== 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.'' -->
''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)}}
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''-->
+
 
<!--
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
* 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs + 8 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,800 lb total)
 +
* 8 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 8 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,800 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 10 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 +
 
 +
Featuring a wide variety of options the B-25 offers a payload for every job. Triple one thousand pounders for bases or medium altitude pillbox hunting, quadruple five hundred pounders for low altitude pillbox and heavy tank strafing and the eigth times two hundred fifties for convoy soft targets or medium tanks. But please do not forget to set a fuse timer before spawn, if going for a low altitude strafing run.
 
=== 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.''
+
<!-- ''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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
== Usage in the battles ==
 
<!--''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).''-->
 
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, nose turret (300 rpg)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (250 rpg)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, tail turret (600 rpg = 1,200 total)
 +
 
 +
The defensive fire of the B-25 quite excellent, but only quite. The rearward field of fire of the dorsal and tail turret overlap significantly and are a serious concern for even heavy fighters. The beam turrets have decent vertical arcs and about 45° starting from the rudder. For whatever reason the B-25 maintains a nose gunner, too, despite blistering with offensive heavy machine guns. Intended for use in formation flight, the nose gunner offers little benefit ingame except for further demonstrating the concept of overkill.
 +
 
 +
However the defensive firing arcs have a blindspot: The belly. Starting from around -20° the tail gunner can no longer take aim at any pursuit aircraft. Its horizontal arc is also very limiting only encompassing about 10° total. This leaves not only the belly open, but also an approach window 15° offset from the tail where both the beam and tail gunner cannot aim. While the latter is easily resolved with a slight change of direction, the former is the true weakspot of the B-25 and found on all [[B-25 (Family)|derivatives]]. This makes it sadly a rather well known weakness, too.
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
[[File:B-25j-20 primethebomber 001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Flaps down in preparation for landing.]]
 +
<!-- ''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 airframe makes this plane a particularly difficult target to bring down, however, there are four main blindspots to be considered: Level with the leading edges of the wings, the complete underside, and each side in the rear presented by the twin tail. These are the easiest areas to kill an opposing B-25. With a max speed of 444 km/h (275 mph) under ideal conditions and a max airframe speed of 580 km/h (360 mph), the B-25 is relatively fast for a bomber, but while climbing, can go no faster than 280 km/h (175 mph) with optimal pitch. The twin engines make for good acceleration and allow the plane to get to an airfield to land, given you are at altitude and can maintain airspeed.
 +
 
 +
This plane makes a great strategic bomber, but its wings make for nice large targets. The best way to ward off enemy fighters is to bank in toward them, giving your top gunner a chance to damage them before they can cause any real damage. Always try to fly at treetop level to cover the blind spot on the underside, or fly with bombers that have belly gunners, so you are fully covered. Also try to fly with friendly fighters, as they will prove invaluable to your survival. If you wind up with an enemy fighter or attacker on your tail, reduce engine power and adjust trim so you retain level flight, but give all rear facing gunners the ability to damage your opponent. ''Never fly in a straight line while fending off attackers!!''
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
! Water
 
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
+
[[File:B-25j-20 iscari 001.jpg |450px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' flying above the clouds returning from a bombing run.]]
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
|  
+
| Protective vest
|  
+
| Offensive 12 mm
 +
| SBC-25
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
|  
+
| New 12 mm MGs
 +
| MBC-25
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
|  
+
|
|  
+
| Turret 12 mm
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
|  
+
|
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
|  
+
| New 12 mm MGs (turret)
 +
| LBC-25
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle regarding 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:'''
 +
* Very effective front facing armament of 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns allows for engaging enemy bombers at the start of the match, or incoming fighters
 +
* Durable airframe
 +
* Heavy defensive armament on both left and rights sides and especially on the rear
 +
* Can provide initial cover for other bombers until fighters reach their altitude
 +
* Can be used as both a tactical and strategic bomber
 +
* Able to land on an aircraft carrier
 +
 +
'''Cons:'''
 +
* The belly of the aircraft is a massive blind spot in the aircraft's defence
 +
* Slow
 +
* Poor climb rate and energy retention
 +
* For the most part, the offensive armament will only be useful in attacking enemy bombers, ground targets, or engaging fighters head-on, as the plane is too unmanoeuvrable for any real dogfighting of any kind
 +
* Steel construction makes this plane particularly heavy, and a small payload limits this plane's ability to be used as a tactical or strategic bomber
 +
* The elevator can be shot off by an enemy plane easily. This can cause it to become uncontrollable in certain situations. However, it can still be controlled by operating flaps or adjusting engine power
  
*
+
== 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 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).''
  
'''Cons:'''
+
=== In-game description ===
 +
North American B-25J-20 Mitchell twin-engine medium bomber/ground-attack aircraft
 +
 
 +
As its mass production progressed, the B-25J was continually improved, but in most cases this concerned the aircraft's equipment or armament and not its airframe or power unit. Aircraft of the B-25J-5 series had new multi-purpose N-3C gunsights (everywhere but on the waist turrets) and a newly introduced alcohol windshield washing system for the pilot's cockpit. Also, blast reducers were installed on the barrel muzzles of the upper and waist machine guns.
 +
 
 +
Aircraft of the B-25J-10 series were equipped with external bomb racks under the wings. The heaters at the waist gun positions were found to be inefficient and were no longer installed.
 +
 
 +
Replacement of the sights was completed with the B-25J-15 bombers; now, the waist turrets were also equipped with the new N-8A optical sights. In addition, a backup iron sight was installed for the pilots. All machines of these series were produced with one fixed machine gun in the bombardier's cockpit.
 +
 
 +
Aircraft of the B-25J-20 series had a second fixed 12.7 mm Colt-Browning ANM2.5 machine gun, with 400 rounds of ammunition, mounted in the bombardier's cockpit. An additional armor plate was provided in the floor under the bombardier's seat. The cap glazing of the upper turret was reinforced. The mobile 12.7 mm Colt-Browning ANM2.5 machine gun in the front cockpit was shifted upward slightly so that the ammunition box of the second fixed machine gun would not interfere with its operation.
 +
 
 +
An emergency brake system was also installed. Beginning with machine No. 44-29340, Holley 1685RB carburettors were fitted on the bomber's engines.
 +
 
 +
A Norden M-9 bombsight was mounted on the aircraft built for the USAAF, and a simpler Wimperis D-8 on the machines to be exported. In the USSR, locally produced OPB-1 (daylight version) and NKPB-7 (night version) bombsights were mounted on В-25s.
  
*
+
In addition, В-25 aircraft in the Soviet Union were equipped with an inert (exhaust) gas fire suppression system for the fuel tanks.
  
== History ==
+
B-25J aircraft were not only supplied to the USAAF. 314 machines were delivered to the British RAF, where they were operated under the designation of Mitchell Mk.III. It was under the Lend-Lease Agreement that these bombers were also supplied to the USSR, Canada, Australia, and China. After the war, В-25Js were supplied to France, the Netherlands, Peru, Venezuela, and Indonesia.
''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.''
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
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<!--''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''-->
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|NuU-Vz0UqMc|'''B-25J-20 Mitchell [Rugged Versatility!]''' - ''Jengar''}}
  
== Read also ==
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== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!--''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.''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
<!--''ETC.''-->
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;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
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* de Haviland [[Mosquito (Family)|Mosquito]]
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* Douglas [[DB-7 (Family)|DB-7]] and its many derivatives (such as [[A-20G-25|A-20G]])
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* Douglas [[A-26 (Family)|A-26 ''Invader'']]
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* Tupolev [[Tu-2 (Family)|Tu-2]]
  
== Sources ==
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;Other B-25 variants in-game
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* [[B-25J-1]] - Very little difference between the J-1 and J-20, the J-1 has one less nose-mounted machine gun, slight armour difference.
 +
* [[B-25J-30_(China)|B-25J-30]] (Chinese lend-lease) - Virtually same as J-20 variant.
 +
* [[B-25J-30_(USSR)|B-25J-30]] (Soviet lend-lease) - Same as Chinese lend-lease version with the exception it utilises Soviet bombs.
 +
* [[PBJ-1H]] - U.S. Marine variant - 75 mm autocannon and eight nose-mounted machine guns, lower service ceiling, reduced bomb load compared to J-1, J-20 and J-30 variants, increased armour around the cockpit.
 +
* [[PBJ-1J]] - U.S. Marine variant - Identical to PBJ-1H in-flight characteristics and bomb loadout, no 75 mm cannon, a total of 12 nose-mounted machine guns.
  
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== External links ==
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<!-- ''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;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* [[wikipedia:Doolittle_Raid|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Doolittle Raid]]
  
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{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
 
{{USA bombers}}
 
{{USA bombers}}

Revision as of 20:21, 31 December 2019

Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
B-25J-20
b_25j_20.png
B-25J-20
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American bomber B-25J-20. For other versions, see B-25 (Family).

Description

GarageImage B-25J-20.jpg


The B-25J-20 Mitchell is a rank II American bomber with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/RB) and 4.3 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.29.

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 kph), 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 kph), 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 kph). 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.

Front view of the B-25J-20 displaying the nose art for Briefing Time.

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 benefitted 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

B-25J-20 searching for enemy Japanese ships to sink.
Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,049 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
420 407 7500 32.4 33.8 5.4 5.3 750
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,049 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
472 444 7500 29.7 31.0 10.6 7.7 750

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flaps
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
430 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 270 < 320 < 350 > 320
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,676 m 1,700 hp 1,850 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,115 m 1,450 hp N/A

Survivability and armour

  • 10 mm steel - front, sides & rear of the cockpit
  • 10 mm steel - the rim of pilot seats
  • 8 mm steel - below nose gunner
  • 8 mm steel - pilot seats
  • 9.5 mm - bulkhead after of dorsal turret
  • 6.35 mm steel - aft of waist gunners
  • 9.5 mm steel - tail turret
  • 38 mm bulletproof glass - tail turret

Rugged, sturdy, though, the B-25 is all of those things. Featuring crew armour protection that outclasses the B-17 Flying Fortress in a handier, smaller design, the Mitchell is a tough nut to crack and even harder to devoid of the crew. Calibres above 20 mm are a must for a quick kill, otherwise, the B-25 will repay in kind. Gunner positions throughout the bomber effectively cover the front, sides, top and rear of the aircraft with just the underbelly left relatively unprotected to fighters rising in a power climb. The rear gunner with his dual .50 calibre machine guns is especially devastating when they are trained on a tailing enemy fighter.

The two Wright R-2600 air-cooled radial engines are themself hard to destroy and with dropped payload, the Mitchell can keep flying on just a single damaged engine, denying under armed fighters the ability to lethally cripple it. Yet this aircraft does have an Achilles heel, its fuel tanks. While present in all planes, the armour, crew and bomb bay take up all the necessary space within the fuselage, while leaving only space in the wings to house the fuel tanks. A common downfall of this aircraft is the structural failure of the wing spar due to wing fires of the fuel tanks.

Armaments

B-25J-20 flying at its cruising altitude.

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The B-25J-20 is armed with:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, cheek-mounted (400 rpg = 1,600 total)

Intended for strafing ground targets the sextuple AN/M2 heavy machine guns do an excellent job. Situated in the nose and along the cheeks the fire power is not as concentrated as on the A-20G or A-26 Invader, but quite better than on many US fighter designs. And many potential intercepters quickly realised this difference, too. Unlike with wing placed armament which has to content with gun convergence, the nose mounted design always aims true in the horizontal. Thus fire can be opened at any range and as the B-25 is blessed with substantial amount of ammunition can afford to miss. Head-ons are hence more often than not a sure fire bet for the Mitchell quite unlike for a medium bomber.

Dousing an enemy in gun fire sure looks impressive with the B-25's Tracers belt. A shame all versions only receive the pre-war M1 Tracer bullet in their belts. The true champion in destruction power and fire chance is the M8 AP-I bullet found in the Omni-Purpose and Stealth belts. Both come recommended for any use, may it be air, ground or naval. The M2 AP bullet found in the Ground belt adds little in penetration and may safely be foregone even in Mixed battles for the flexibility the other two belts offer.

Suspended armament

The B-25J-20 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
  • 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs + 8 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,800 lb total)
  • 8 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 8 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,800 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 10 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)

Featuring a wide variety of options the B-25 offers a payload for every job. Triple one thousand pounders for bases or medium altitude pillbox hunting, quadruple five hundred pounders for low altitude pillbox and heavy tank strafing and the eigth times two hundred fifties for convoy soft targets or medium tanks. But please do not forget to set a fuse timer before spawn, if going for a low altitude strafing run.

Defensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The B-25J-20 is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, nose turret (300 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (250 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, tail turret (600 rpg = 1,200 total)

The defensive fire of the B-25 quite excellent, but only quite. The rearward field of fire of the dorsal and tail turret overlap significantly and are a serious concern for even heavy fighters. The beam turrets have decent vertical arcs and about 45° starting from the rudder. For whatever reason the B-25 maintains a nose gunner, too, despite blistering with offensive heavy machine guns. Intended for use in formation flight, the nose gunner offers little benefit ingame except for further demonstrating the concept of overkill.

However the defensive firing arcs have a blindspot: The belly. Starting from around -20° the tail gunner can no longer take aim at any pursuit aircraft. Its horizontal arc is also very limiting only encompassing about 10° total. This leaves not only the belly open, but also an approach window 15° offset from the tail where both the beam and tail gunner cannot aim. While the latter is easily resolved with a slight change of direction, the former is the true weakspot of the B-25 and found on all derivatives. This makes it sadly a rather well known weakness, too.

Usage in battles

Flaps down in preparation for landing.

The airframe makes this plane a particularly difficult target to bring down, however, there are four main blindspots to be considered: Level with the leading edges of the wings, the complete underside, and each side in the rear presented by the twin tail. These are the easiest areas to kill an opposing B-25. With a max speed of 444 km/h (275 mph) under ideal conditions and a max airframe speed of 580 km/h (360 mph), the B-25 is relatively fast for a bomber, but while climbing, can go no faster than 280 km/h (175 mph) with optimal pitch. The twin engines make for good acceleration and allow the plane to get to an airfield to land, given you are at altitude and can maintain airspeed.

This plane makes a great strategic bomber, but its wings make for nice large targets. The best way to ward off enemy fighters is to bank in toward them, giving your top gunner a chance to damage them before they can cause any real damage. Always try to fly at treetop level to cover the blind spot on the underside, or fly with bombers that have belly gunners, so you are fully covered. Also try to fly with friendly fighters, as they will prove invaluable to your survival. If you wind up with an enemy fighter or attacker on your tail, reduce engine power and adjust trim so you retain level flight, but give all rear facing gunners the ability to damage your opponent. Never fly in a straight line while fending off attackers!!

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
B-25J-20 flying above the clouds returning from a bombing run.

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Protective vest Offensive 12 mm SBC-25
II Compressor Airframe New 12 mm MGs MBC-25
III Wings repair Engine Turret 12 mm
IV Engine injection Cover New 12 mm MGs (turret) LBC-25

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very effective front facing armament of 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns allows for engaging enemy bombers at the start of the match, or incoming fighters
  • Durable airframe
  • Heavy defensive armament on both left and rights sides and especially on the rear
  • Can provide initial cover for other bombers until fighters reach their altitude
  • Can be used as both a tactical and strategic bomber
  • Able to land on an aircraft carrier

Cons:

  • The belly of the aircraft is a massive blind spot in the aircraft's defence
  • Slow
  • Poor climb rate and energy retention
  • For the most part, the offensive armament will only be useful in attacking enemy bombers, ground targets, or engaging fighters head-on, as the plane is too unmanoeuvrable for any real dogfighting of any kind
  • Steel construction makes this plane particularly heavy, and a small payload limits this plane's ability to be used as a tactical or strategic bomber
  • The elevator can be shot off by an enemy plane easily. This can cause it to become uncontrollable in certain situations. However, it can still be controlled by operating flaps or adjusting engine power

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 long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

In-game description

North American B-25J-20 Mitchell twin-engine medium bomber/ground-attack aircraft

As its mass production progressed, the B-25J was continually improved, but in most cases this concerned the aircraft's equipment or armament and not its airframe or power unit. Aircraft of the B-25J-5 series had new multi-purpose N-3C gunsights (everywhere but on the waist turrets) and a newly introduced alcohol windshield washing system for the pilot's cockpit. Also, blast reducers were installed on the barrel muzzles of the upper and waist machine guns.

Aircraft of the B-25J-10 series were equipped with external bomb racks under the wings. The heaters at the waist gun positions were found to be inefficient and were no longer installed.

Replacement of the sights was completed with the B-25J-15 bombers; now, the waist turrets were also equipped with the new N-8A optical sights. In addition, a backup iron sight was installed for the pilots. All machines of these series were produced with one fixed machine gun in the bombardier's cockpit.

Aircraft of the B-25J-20 series had a second fixed 12.7 mm Colt-Browning ANM2.5 machine gun, with 400 rounds of ammunition, mounted in the bombardier's cockpit. An additional armor plate was provided in the floor under the bombardier's seat. The cap glazing of the upper turret was reinforced. The mobile 12.7 mm Colt-Browning ANM2.5 machine gun in the front cockpit was shifted upward slightly so that the ammunition box of the second fixed machine gun would not interfere with its operation.

An emergency brake system was also installed. Beginning with machine No. 44-29340, Holley 1685RB carburettors were fitted on the bomber's engines.

A Norden M-9 bombsight was mounted on the aircraft built for the USAAF, and a simpler Wimperis D-8 on the machines to be exported. In the USSR, locally produced OPB-1 (daylight version) and NKPB-7 (night version) bombsights were mounted on В-25s.

In addition, В-25 aircraft in the Soviet Union were equipped with an inert (exhaust) gas fire suppression system for the fuel tanks.

B-25J aircraft were not only supplied to the USAAF. 314 machines were delivered to the British RAF, where they were operated under the designation of Mitchell Mk.III. It was under the Lend-Lease Agreement that these bombers were also supplied to the USSR, Canada, Australia, and China. After the war, В-25Js were supplied to France, the Netherlands, Peru, Venezuela, and Indonesia.

Media

Videos

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Other B-25 variants in-game
  • B-25J-1 - Very little difference between the J-1 and J-20, the J-1 has one less nose-mounted machine gun, slight armour difference.
  • B-25J-30 (Chinese lend-lease) - Virtually same as J-20 variant.
  • B-25J-30 (Soviet lend-lease) - Same as Chinese lend-lease version with the exception it utilises Soviet bombs.
  • PBJ-1H - U.S. Marine variant - 75 mm autocannon and eight nose-mounted machine guns, lower service ceiling, reduced bomb load compared to J-1, J-20 and J-30 variants, increased armour around the cockpit.
  • PBJ-1J - U.S. Marine variant - Identical to PBJ-1H in-flight characteristics and bomb loadout, no 75 mm cannon, a total of 12 nose-mounted machine guns.

External links


North American Aviation
Fighters 
P-51A  P-51
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-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 bombers
Dive  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3 · SBD-3 · SB2C-1C · SB2C-4
Torpedo  TBD-1 · PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina · TBF-1C · BTD-1
Medium  B-10B · B-18A · B-34 · PV-2D · B-25J-1 · B-25J-20 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT · B-26B
Heavy  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE · PB4Y-2 · B-24D-25-CO · B-29A-BN
Hydroplanes  OS2U-1 · OS2U-3 · PBM-1 "Mariner" · PBM-3 "Mariner"