North American B-25 Mitchell

Mantelli - Brown - Kittel - Graf

• Publisher: R.E.I. Editions
• Year: 2015
• eBook ISBN: 9782372971997
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: Military & Maritime History
• Index: History

The North American B-25 Mitchell was a twin-engine medium bomber manufactured by North American and dall'USAAF mainly used during the Second World War.
The B 25 Mitchell formed together with the North American Douglas A 20 Havoc and the Martin B 26 Marauder, the backbone of the operating units of supportive 'USAAF during the second world war.
The Mitchell, in particular, proved a versatile aircraft that immediately attracted the popularity. Although he had no heavy offensive load, its armament with a piece of heavy artillery, good for both offensive and defensive purposes, was particularly feared by German pilots, Italian and Japanese.
It was the plane with which Jimmy Doolittle performed his famous bombing raid on Tokyo to give a strong signal to Japan in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was quite a feat because the planes took off from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet: was unthinkable starting with a plane of that size from a runway so short.
Were built a total of about 10, 000 specimens, including versions PBJ-1 patrol ships and F-10 for reconnaissance.
Was used in all theaters of operation and was used by several countries, including Britain (which received more than 900), Australia, China, the Netherlands, and the Soviet Union.
It is considered as one of the best medium bombers of the conflict.
The nickname "Mitchell" is in honor of General Billy Mitchell, one of the first major supporters of the use of air power for military purposes.