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OUR AIRCRAFT: THE PBJ-1 MITCHELL Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Fourteen operated North American PBJ-1s; the navalized equivalent of the Army's famous B-25 twin-engine Mitchell bomber. Our squadron trained initially with the older-model PBJ-1Ds before transitioning to the cannon-armed H-model PBJ. Although the squadron was designated to deploy to the Pacific with the PBJ-1H, it was decided that due to the reported lack of suitable shipping targets to replace them with J-model PBJs. Accordingly, VMB-614 deployed overseas with the PBJ-1J, configured with the standard transparent nose for the navigator-bombardier. The configuration of this aircraft and our squadron's typical markings is illustrated below. 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 thirteen .50 caliber machine guns, the PBJ-1J was also equipped to carry bombs, depth charges, 5-inch rockets, or an aerial torpedo. VMB-614's aircraft were finished in the three-tone color scheme adopted by the U.S. Navy in March of 1944—sea blue, intermediate sea blue, and white. Basic Model: North American 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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