B-25 Miss Mitchell Minnesota Wing
Description:
Base:
South St. Paul, MN
Website:
| B-25 Specs | |
|---|---|
| Role | Medium Bomber |
| Manufacturer | North American Aviation |
| Introduced | 1941 |
| Power | 2 × Wright R-2600-35 Twin Cyclone 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 1,700 hp each |
| Length | 52 ft 11 in |
| Height | 16 ft 4 in |
| Wingspan | 67 ft 7 in |
| Range | 1,350 mi |
The B-25J "Miss Mitchell" served in the 310th Bomb Group, 57th Bomb Wing of the 12th Air Force in North Africa and Italy completing over 130 missions. Its legacy of no crew fatalities during all of its missions was a rare accomplishment. Prior to taking command of the 8th Air Force in Europe in 1944, the 12th Air Force was under the command of then Brigadier General Jimmy Doolittle. After a 12 year restoration by the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, Miss Mitchell took her first flight on April 18, 1992 ~ exactly 50 years to the day of the daring Doolittle raid.
The North American B-25 Mitchell was among the most versatile bombers of World War II. Built by North American Aviation and named for airpower pioneer William "Billy" Mitchell, the twin-engine aircraft served in every theater of the War.
The B-25 became famous for its role in the Doolittle Raid, but its impact went far beyond that mission. U.S. and Allied forces used it for bombing, strafing, reconnaissance, and patrol missions around the world. Nearly 10,000 were built, and many continued flying for decades after the war—earning the Mitchell a lasting place in aviation history.
Adaptable and rugged, the Mitchell evolved into numerous variants throughout the war, including heavily armed gunships and reconnaissance models. U.S. Marine Corps versions, known as PBJ-1s, operated from island bases across the Pacific. Whether striking shipping at low level or supporting ground troops, the B-25 proved it could do just about anything asked of it—and do it well.
