Dsignation(s) on the B-25

[gary1954]

With regard to the designation on the B-25, I understand that there was the TB - trainer VB - VIP use, RB - Recon, as well as a few others, according to Joe Baugher's pages shows that 44-30854 currently and probably forever-more - painted as Doolittle's B-25B (40-2344) at the USAF Armament Museum, Eglin AFB, FL, was designated as a TB-25N, later JB-25J. Now what the heck is a JB-25? Was 854 retired to Navigation Trainer, then retired to the mission of that of a Training Hack?



Always learning stuff and forgetting even more. Thanks in advance.

[Coert Munk]

... and there was the CB-25J or the SB-25J, they used the whole alfabet!
The Norm Avery book gives several details.

[rwdfresno]

JB- was an Air Force designation that began around 1955 for aircraft that were specially modified for testing. I'm not sure what sort of testing was done with this airframe although I don't believe that 44-30854 ever made it to civilian life so was probably one of the last remaining B-25s in the Air Force inventory.

Ryan

[bluehawk15]

Wow! I love it when I learn something. While looking up, online, the different designations of the B-25, I found this trick to extend the range! (From "How It Flies")

"An interesting characteristic of the B-25 was its ability to extend range by using one-quarter wing flap settings. Since the aircraft normally cruised in a slightly nose-high attitude, about 40 U.S. gallons (150 l) of fuel was below the fuel pickup point and thus unavailable for use. The flaps-down setting gave the aircraft a more level flight attitude, which resulted in this fuel becoming available, thus slightly extending the aircraft's range."

Of course, when you are burning 130-150gph, it's not a lot, but every little bit counts when you are trying to get home...or at least out from behind enemy lines!