Toys and Models B-25B Mitchell Bomber Signed by Richard Cole - 1/41 scale model

B-25B Mitchell Bomber Signed by Richard Cole - 1/41 scale model

This collectible B-25B represents the aircraft flown by Jimmy Doolittle on the famous Doolittle Raid on April 18, 1942. This Signature Series B-25 model featured the signature of Lt. Col. Thomas Cole, Jimmy Doolittle's co-pilot in the number one aircraft in the Doolittle Raid. Cole, as of April 2010, is one of only eight surviving Doolittle Raiders. With Cole's signature on a mini nose-art panel, this collectible model is painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany. Our skilled craftsmen add a wealth of detail, making this 1/41-scale model B-25B a great aviation gift for any pilot, enthusiast or history buff. The B-25 Mitchell was one of the most widely produced aircraft of World War II, serving in every theater in a variety of configurations. The twin-engine Mitchell made the first strikes against Japan during the famed Doolittle Raid in 1942; served in Europe, and became deadly ground attack aircraft when fitted with up to 14 forward-firing machine guns. Development of the B-25 began in the 1930s as an outgrowth of North American Aviation's XB-21 project. The new aircraft, called NA-40 by the company, was evaluated by the Army Air Corps in 1939 and ordered into production as the B-25. The B-25 was an inch under 53 feet long, with a wingspan of 67 feet, 6 inches. Powered by two Wright 2600 Twin Cyclone engines developing 1,850 horsepower each, the B-25 had a maximum speed of 275 mph and a combat radius of 1,350 miles. Armament could include up to 6,000 pounds of bombs; eight 5-inch rockets; a torpedo, and forward firing machine guns or cannon. Versions of the B-25 fitted with up to 14 forward-firing .50-caliber machine guns proved devastating to Japanese shipping, and strafing and "parafrag" attacks proved valuable for attacking airfields. Maj. Paul "Pappy" Gunn developed many of the innovations that made the Mitchell a devastating attack aircraft, pioneering the strafing modifications, as well as skip-bombing techniques agains