Summary

  • The North American B-25 Mitchell is a legendary World War Two aircraft known for its impressive speed and service ceiling.
  • Many B-25s were repurposed after the war, serving as trainers, firefighting aircraft, and more. Around 40 models are still believed to be in flying condition.
  • The B-25 continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts, with restored and preserved models available for public viewing and flight experiences.


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The North American B-25 Mitchell is one of the most legendary aircraft from World War Two. Reaching a length of almost 53 feet, the medium bomber could reach speeds of up to 275 mph and a service ceiling of about 24,200 feet with twin Wright R-2600 engines. A total of 9,818 of the versatile aircraft were produced, with the type flying for Allied Air Forces throughout the conflict. At the time, it was the only American military aircraft named after a specific person, General Billy Mitchell, often referred to as the father of the US Air Force.


Flying longer than intended

The first models were delivered to the US Air Force in 1941, over eighty years ago. The oldest example of a North American B-25 Mitchell still in existence is “Miss Hap,” located at the American Airpower Museum in New York.

B-25 Miss Hap

Photo: American Airpower Museum 

Following the war, most aircraft were decommissioned, sold, or scrapped. Many aircraft went on to serve as military trainers, firefighting aircraft, airborne photography platforms, crop dusters, and executive transport planes. Quite a few were preserved and put on display, with around 40 models believed to still be in flying condition.

Flying across the country

The Indonesian Air Force was the last military operator to fly the twin-engine aircraft, retiring the type as recently as 1979. Civilian operators of this type often allow members of the public to ride on the aircraft as a means of raising the vital funds necessary for maintenance and repairs.

Find out:Five fascinating facts about the B-25. The Experimental Aircraft Association recently restored its B-25, Berlin Express, and took it on a nationwide tour showcasing the aircraft, which had been on static display for decades. Avid fans and historical aircraft enthusiasts were even allowed to purchase flights on the plane for $475 per person. The price is within the typical range for B-25 flights, with the proceeds going toward aircraft maintenance.

EAA's B-25 bomber Berlin Express

Photo: EAA

Another B-25 named “Miss Mitchell” retains the rare legacy of experiencing no crew fatalities during all of its 130 missions. The aircraft undertook a 12-year restoration by the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force before taking its first flight again on April 18, 1992. Fifty years to the day after the daring Doolittle Raid that cemented the type in the history books.

The only surviving B-25D (the designation for aircraft produced in Kansas City) open to the general public is operated by the Yankee Air Museum. Following the war, the aircraft was turned over to the British government as part of the Lend-Lease Program, followed by a stint serving as a trainer with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The Yankee Air Museum purchased the aircraft from a private owner in 1987, and it underwent a lengthy restoration process before returning to the skies as Yankee Warrior in 2003.

Rosie's Reply

Photo: Yankee Air Museum

The aircraft has since been repainted in its original combat colors and adorned with new nose art and a name to match, Rosie’s Reply, in honor of all the ‘Rosie the Riveter’ women who helped Ford manufacture B-24 Liberator bombers at the factory where it now resides.

Far from the last of the lot

It was reported earlier this year that a second flyable B-25D, Grumpy, has been acquired by an overseas investor. No price was confirmed, but the listing indicated an asking cost of $2 million. The aircraft was spotted in September flying from its previous home with the Historic Flight Foundation in Spokane, Washington, to Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon, where it will prepare for its transatlantic ferry flights.

1943 North-American B-25D-32 Grumpy

Photo: Platinum Fighters

Several other B-25s in flying condition are housed nationwide at various facilities, including the National Museum of World War II Aviation in Colorado and the Champaign Aviation Museum in Ohio. At least one model is still active overseas. The aircraft registered N6123C is based in Austria and most recently flew back from Malta in September 2023.

Have you ever seen a B-25 in flight? What are your favorite flying models? Let us know in the comments below.

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