Francis Low's carrier-bomber idea and the B-25 choice

Francis Low, an anti-submarine warfare specialist with an interest in long-range strike and logistics, took the twin-engine bomber idea to Ernest King. A runway test reproduced a carrier deck outline before the Army Air Forces assigned Jimmy Doolittle to turn the concept into a mission. Doolittle compared the B-18, B-23, B-26, and B-25 and selected the Mitchell for its deck compatibility and ability to accept the required fuel. The aircraft needed roughly twice its normal range while still carrying a 2,000-pound bomb load. A recovery plan through Vladivostok failed because the Soviet Union maintained neutrality with Japan, leaving Chinese airfields as the intended destination. Chiang Kai-shek accepted the recovery plan despite the risk of Japanese reprisals because supporting the mission promised stronger American backing. The raid was important enough that Hornet spent February 1942 on launch trials instead of joining earlier combat operations.