In 1938 the United States Army Air Force issued a circular proposal which called for a twin-engined medium attack bomber. On September 20 1939 a production contract valued at $11,771,000 was awarded to North American for 184 aircraft to be designated as the B-25. The B-25 featured a five man crew. Internal bomb storage was provided in the fuselage beneath the center section for a ton and s half of bombs. The B-25's top speed was 332 mph. The name Mitchell was given to the B-25 honoring the late General Billy Mitchell whom many consider the father of modern military aviation.

By Ernest R. McDowell

50 pages