B-25C-NA/B-25D-NC Copilot Window

Archive #82-31010-101

This rare B-25 Copilot window part #82-31010-101 was originally designed for use in the B-25C-NA bomber. When the Fairfax plant started building B-25 bombers, this part was also used in the B-25D-NC models. The "82" in the part number refers to the North American Contract the part was designed for. In this case, the B-25C-NA contract signed on October 1, 1940.

This part was only used through the B-25C-25-NA and B-25D-20-NC models when the "Clear Vision" window replaced it. Since 63 of the B-25G-NA bombers were converted from B-25C-NA bombers, you may also see this window on a "G" model. All 45 of the B-25/F-10-NC photo reconnaissance aircraft were converted from B-25D-NC bombers. Thirty-three of these aircraft were also fitted with this window. Every B-25 that was either Hayes or Hughes modified after the war had this window replaced with the "Clear Vision" window. There are currently no B-25 bombers flying today with this window configuration.

This window, a new-old-stock part, was produced as a replacement part and was never installed on an aircraft. This is likely why it survives to this day. There are two clips at the top that attach to a bracket installed on the aircraft. This makes the window removable. It opens to the inside and is held closed by two clasps that secure the bottom of the window on either side of the handle. The yellow color seen under the green paint is an anticorrosive chromate coating.

• Artifact Description: B-25C-NA/B-25D-NC Copilot Window
• B-25 History Project Archive #: 82-31010-101
• Acquired from: Air Force Repair Surplus, Richards Gebaur
• Acquisition Date: Original Archive