Some North American B-25C Mitchell bombers were modified for a specialized role known as “strafers” during World War II. These modifications were designed to enhance the aircraft’s ability to engage in low-level strafing runs against ground targets, a tactic that became particularly effective in the Pacific Theater. Here’s how these modifications were typically carried out:
Key Modifications:
- Bomb Sight Removal:
- The standard bomb sight, which was essential for high-altitude bombing, was removed from the aircraft. This was because strafing runs required low-level, direct attacks rather than precision bombing from altitude.
- Nose Armament:
- Additional .50-caliber machine guns were added to the aircraft’s nose compartment. These machine guns significantly increased the firepower of the B-25C, allowing it to deliver devastating strafing attacks on enemy ground positions, vehicles, and ships.