B-25J-1 43-3889
The B-25J variant proved to be highly effective in combat against the Japanese in the Pacific theater, as well as with the RAF’s Tactical Air Force during the final stages of the European campaign. The B-25J was similar in appearance to the B-25H model, but it did not have the cumbersome 75mm cannon. Instead, it had two different types of nose assemblies, each containing a distinct set of machine-guns. The standard glass nose had a single flexible-mounted and two fixed 12.7mm Brownings, while the strafing version had an impressive eight 12.7mm machine-guns, making it one of the most potent medium bombers for ground attacks ever built.
The longer nose of the B-25J made it the same length as the earlier B-25C/D models, and the strafing nose assembly could easily be retrofitted to any Mitchell mark. Other modifications included the reinstallation of the co-pilot’s seat, which gave the B-25J a six-man crew, and the use of more powerful R-2600-29 engines. The first B-25J aircraft took its maiden flight in December 1943, and it was the first of 4,390 built at the Kansas City plant. This made the B-25J the most abundant Mitchell variant produced by a considerable margin.