North American B-25 Mitchell (WW 2): Books - History

North American B-25 Mitchell Bomber (Pilot's Flight Operation Instructions)

In April of 1942, sixteen American bombers raided Tokyo, Japan. The planes were land-based B-25 Mitchells, audaciously launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet, and led by Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle.
The attack caused little actual damage, but dealt a serious blow to Japanese morale. More importantly, it gave hope to an American public still reeling from Pearl Harbor.

Manufactured by North American Aviation, the B-25 saw service in every theater of WWII. It carried a crew of six, and could loft a maximum load of 6,000 pounds of bombs. Originally printed by North American and the USAAF, this handbook was declassified and is here reprinted in book form.

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B-25 Mitchell

The North American Aviation B-25 Mitchell secured its place in history, not only for its role in the Doolittle Raid but also for its extensive service during World War II. The Mitchell excelled in low-level strafing missions across the South Pacific and in battles over northern Italy, earning a reputation as the best medium bomber used by the Allies.
Easy for less experienced pilots to fly, the B-25 could even be launched from a carrier deck when fully loaded. Its durability allowed it to withstand enemy fire from Zeros or German flak, often bringing its crews home safely, even after suffering severe damage.

With over 115 images, this book details the creation of this iconic aircraft and the brave crews that helped establish its legendary reputation.

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B-25 Mitchell (Vol. 1) - The A through D Models in World War II (Legends of Warfare)

The North American B-25 Mitchell was one of World War II's most renowned and versatile medium bombers. This first volume of a two-part series provides an illustrated overview of the A through D models, tracing the aircraft's development from the founding of North American Aviation to the creation of the NA-40, the first B-25 prototype.

The book documents the bomber's evolution through the A, B, and C models, leading to the widely recognized B-25D. It includes historical photographs of production at the Inglewood, California, and Kansas City plants, along with key modification centers.
The second half focuses on the B-25D, featuring detailed color images of its interior and exterior, including the Wright R-2600 radial engine, Hamilton-Standard propeller, and related systems. Markings and insignia changes are also highlighted.

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B-25 Mitchell (Vol. 2) - The G through J, F-10, and PBJ Models in World War II (Legends of Warfare)

This second volume on the North American B-25 Mitchell covers the later World War II variants, including the G through J models, the F-10 reconnaissance version, and the PBJ used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. It also explores photo-reconnaissance and experimental types, as well as B-25s in service with foreign forces, including Poland, France, Britain, and the Soviet Union.
A dedicated chapter details the Mitchell's armament, covering machine guns, cannons, rockets, and bombs. The book also highlights notable B-25 missions and events, such as the April 1942 Doolittle Raid and the 1945 Empire State Building collision. Additionally, it examines the aircraft's appearances in classic films like "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" and "Catch-22".

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