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OUR AIRCRAFT: THE PBJ-1 MITCHELL Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Twelve operated North American PBJ-1s; the navalized equivalent of the Army's famous B-25 twin-engine Mitchell bomber. Our squadron flew the older-model PBJ-1Ds, as well as the newer PBJ-1Js. Each aircraft was fitted with the APS-3 search radar mounted in a radome on the upper-nose of the aircraft. In this configuration, the transparent Plexiglas panels of the bombardier's station was painted over and the three nose-mounted machine guns were removed. Although initially operating with the upper turret, this turret was removed in mid-1945 in order to increase the aircraft's patrol range. On the J-model aircraft, an astrodome for the navigator was installed in its place. Further modifications often included the removal of the four package guns and the flexible-mounted waist guns to further increase the aircraft's patrol range. The configurations of these aircraft and our squadron's typical markings is illustrated below. PBJ-1D General Characteristics: The North American PBJ-1D medium bomber airplane was a mid-wing land-based monoplane powered by two Wright Cyclone engines. Characteristic features included a tricycle landing gear, and a double fin and rudder empennage. In addition to carrying up to twelve .50 caliber machine guns, the PBJ-1D was also equipped to carry bombs, depth charges, or an aerial torpedo. VMB-612's aircraft were finished in sea blue on all surfaces. Basic Model: North American B-25D-30, and B-25D-35. Wingspan: 67 feet 6 inches. Wing Area: 610 square feet. Length: 53 feet 0 inches. Height: 15 feet 9 inches. Weight (Empty): 20,300 pounds. Weight (Maximum Loaded): 34,000 pounds. Engines: Two Wright R-2600-13 Double Cyclones. Propellers: Two three-bladed, full-feathering, Hamilton Standard Hydromatic propellers. Maximum Speed: 247 knots (284 mph) at 15,000 feet. Cruising Speed: 203 knots (233 mph). Stall Speed: 79 knots (90 mph). Service Ceiling: 21,200 feet. Range: 1,303 nautical miles (1,500 statute miles) with 3,000 pounds of bombs. Crew: Six (Pilot, Copilot, Navigator-Bombardier, Radio-Gunner, Mechanic-Turret Gunner, and Ordnance-Gunner).
PBJ-1J General Characteristics: The North American PBJ-1J medium bomber airplane was a mid-wing land-based monoplane powered by two Wright Cyclone engines. Characteristic features included a tricycle landing gear, and a double fin and rudder empennage. In addition to carrying up to fourteen .50 caliber machine guns, the PBJ-1J was also equipped to carry bombs, depth charges, 5-inch rockets, or an aerial torpedo. The squadron's aircraft were further modified to permit the carrying of two 11.75-inch Tiny Tim rockets on an external mount over the bomb-bay doors. VMB-612's aircraft were finished in sea blue on all surfaces. Basic Model: North American B-25J-1, B-25J-15/17, B-25J-20/22, and B-25J-25/27. Wingspan: 67 feet 7 inches. Wing Area: 610 square feet. Length: 53 feet 6 inches. Height: 16 feet 4 inches. Weight (Empty): 21,100 pounds. Weight (Maximum Loaded): 35,000 pounds. Engines: Two Wright R-2600-29 Double Cyclones. Propellers: Two three-bladed, full-feathering, Hamilton Standard Hydromatic propellers. Maximum Speed: 239 knots (275 mph) at 15,000 feet. Cruising Speed: 200 knots (230 mph). Stall Speed: 79 knots (90 mph). Service Ceiling: 24,000 feet. Range: 1,108 nautical miles (1,275 statute miles) with 3,000 pounds of bombs. Crew: Seven (Pilot, Copilot, Navigator-Bombardier, 2 Radio-Gunners, Mechanic-Turret Gunner, and Armorer-Turret Gunner).
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