The story
Named for air power pioneer Billy Mitchell, the B-25 made history in April 1942 when sixteen of them launched from the carrier USS Hornet for the Doolittle Raid — something a medium bomber was never designed to do. Nearly 10,000 were built, and dozens still fly, making it the most catchable of the great American WWII bombers.
The B-25G and B-25H carried a hand-loaded 75 mm cannon in the nose, and a crewman had to reload it between shots.
Quick answers
How do you identify a B-25 Mitchell?
Twin tail fins, two big radials, tricycle gear, and a gull-wing kink where the wing meets the engines. You'll usually hear it before you see it.
What does a B-25 Mitchell sound like?
Two Wright Twin Cyclones — a snarling, crackling pair of radials, famously one of the loudest sounds at any airshow.
How fast is the B-25 Mitchell?
Top speed is 236 kts.
How many people does the B-25 Mitchell carry?
Typical configuration: Crew of 5.
How far can the B-25 Mitchell fly?
Range is about 1,173 nmi.
How big is the B-25 Mitchell?
It is 52 ft 11 in long and 67 ft 7 in across the wings.
When did the B-25 Mitchell first fly?
Its first flight was in 1940.
How many B-25 Mitchells have been built?
9,816 built.
How rare is a B-25 Mitchell in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first B-25 Mitchell catch is worth 250 points.
