Article 12509 of rec.aviation.military:
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From: jfb@usgp1.ih.att.com (Joe Baugher)
Subject: Bomber Series--North American B-25 Mitchell (18 of 32)
Message-ID: <D3K38D.FFs@ssbunews.ih.att.com>
Summary: Glide torpedo bombing experiments
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Date: Mon, 6 Feb 1995 02:07:25 GMT
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One of the problems with conventional torpedo bombing from aircraft 
is the need to approach the target in a low straight-and-level pass 
before releasing the torpedo, exposing the attacking aircraft to 
antiaircraft fire.  One of the possible solutions to this problem was 
to equip the torpedo with a set of wings and a tail, release it from 
the aircraft at a safe distance, and let it glide by itself to the 
vicinity of the target.  

Later production blocks of the B-25J had been provided at the factory 
with the capability of carrying glide bombs and glide torpedoes 
underneath their fuselages.  Several missions were flown by B-25Js in 
the closing days of the war with glide torpedoes.  The glide torpedo 
consisted of a standard Navy torpedo attached to a jettisonable 
airframe that was fitted with wings and a tail.  This assembly was to 
be carried underneath the fuselage of the B-25J and would be released 
from the aircraft at a safe height and distance, from which it would 
glide to the vicinity of the target.  A set of explosive bolts would 
separate the torpedo from its airframe when it was at the correct 
altitude above the water for normal launch.  

The First Provisional Glide Torpedo Squadron was formed to test the 
concept in actual combat.  This squadron was assigned to the 41st 
Bombardment Group.  This unit was issued with several B-25J-1s that 
were specially modified to carry the glide torpedo underneath the 
fuselage.  The glide torpedo was taken into action for the first time 
on July 31, 1945 in an attack on shipping targets in Sasebo Harbor, 
Kyushu.  Another attack was made on August 1 against targets in 
Nagasaki harbor.  

Since the torpedoes had been released from distances as far as twelve 
miles from the target, with breakaway being made immediately 
thereafter, it was difficult to determine if any significant damage 
was actually done in these attacks.  It was concluded that it would be 
necessary in the future for reconnaissance aircraft to accompany the 
B-25s on these missions to determine if they were effective.  However, 
the war in the Pacific ended before any further glide torpedo missions 
could be carried out.  

Sources:

   B-25 Mitchell: The Magnificent Medium, N. L. Avery, Phalanx, 1992.

   Medium with the Mostest--The B-25 Mitchell, Jerry Scutts,
   Air International, Vol. 44, Nos 2 and 3, 1993.

   Boston, Mitchell, and Liberator in Australian Service, Stewart
   Wilson, Aerospace Publications, 1992.

   Famous Bombers of the Second World War, William Green, Doubleday,
   1959.

   North American's Flying Gun--The Story of the B-25 From Paper
   Airplane to Legendary Bomber, Jack Dean, Wings, Vol 23 No 4, 1993.

   United States Military Aircraft Since 1909, Gordon Swanborough
   and Peter M. Bowers, Smithsonian, 1989.

   United States Navy Aircraft Since 1911, Gordon Swanborough and
   Peter M. Bowers, Naval Institute Press, 1990.

   North American B-25A-G Mitchell, Aircraft in Profile, Doubleday, 
   1966.

   Jane's American Fighting Aircraft of the 20th Century, Michael J.
   H. Taylor.

Joe Baugher			  **************************************
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