B-25A 17th BG 1941
Following the production of the initial B-25-NAs, forty B-25As were manufactured, marking the first variant of the Mitchell bomber designed with enhanced combat readiness. Here’s a summary of the key details about the B-25A:
Design and Features:
- Designation: B-25A (NA-62A)
- Production: A total of 40 B-25As were produced.
- First Flight: The B-25A took its first flight on February 25, 1941.
Structural Modifications:
- External Design: The B-25A retained the external appearance of the last fifteen B-25-NAs, featuring the flat or no-dihedral outer wing panels, resulting in the characteristic gull-wing configuration.
- Armor Protection: Armor plating was added behind the seats of the pilot, co-pilot, and bombardier, as well as in the gunner’s compartment, providing increased protection for the crew.
- Self-Sealing Fuel Tanks: The B-25A was equipped with self-sealing fuel tanks to reduce the risk of fire in combat. However, these tanks had a reduced capacity of 694 gallons compared to the 913 gallons in the B-25-NA, significantly impacting the aircraft’s range.
Operational Capabilities:
- Combat Range: The reduced fuel capacity resulted in a maximum combat range of 1,350 miles with 694 gallons of fuel and a 3,000-pound bomb load. This was approximately 650 miles less than the B-25-NA, depending on the load.
- Additional Fuel Options: To compensate for the reduced internal fuel capacity, a 418-gallon droppable fuel tank was designed for ferry flights and patrol missions, which could be carried in the bomb bay.
- Defensive Armament: Although the B-25A did not yet feature the powered turrets of later models, it was the first Mitchell variant considered fully combat-ready due to its improved armor and fuel system.
Service and Deployment:
- Assignment: Fifteen B-25As were assigned to the 17th Bombardment Group for service tests, joining the earlier B-25-NAs. The aircraft also saw distribution to other bombardment groups, including the 30th, 39th, 43rd, and 44th Bombardment Groups.
- Coastal Patrol Role: With the entry of the United States into World War II and the availability of the more advanced B-25B, the B-25As were primarily used for coastal patrols, hunting enemy submarines off the U.S. coasts. Equipped with additional fuel tanks and armed with bombs and depth charges, these aircraft became the first bombers to sink an Axis submarine in the Atlantic.
- Legacy: While the B-25A did not see combat overseas, its role in coastal defense and anti-submarine operations was significant, and it paved the way for the more heavily armed B-25B and subsequent Mitchell variants.
Performance Specifications:
- Powerplants: Powered by two Wright R-2600-9 engines, each producing 1,700 horsepower.
- Maximum Speed: 315 mph at 15,000 feet.
- Initial Rate of Climb: 1,785 feet per minute.
- Service Ceiling: 27,000 feet.
- Empty Weight: 17,870 pounds.
- Maximum Take-off Weight: 27,100 pounds.