B-25J Mitchell

• Manufacturer: North American Aviation

• Tail Number: N747AF

• Model: B-25J Mitchell

North American Aircraft Corporation developed the B-25 as a medium sized bomber in response to a request by the United States Army Air Corp.  Powered by two Wright R-2600 motors and a maximum take off weight of 33,510 pounds the aircraft could deliver a formidable bomb load to the enemy. Several different versions of the B-25 where developed during WWII from our example to a gun ship version fitted with a 75mm cannon in the nose.  For defense the B25 was fitted with 12 x .50 caliber machine guns including a Bendix forward upper gun turret. 

The B25 is most famed for launching the first U.S. offensive over Japan known as “The Doolittle Raid.”  This mission sparked hope throughout the heartland of an American people who were still stunned by the 1941 Attack on Pearl Harbor.  Doolittle stripped the B25 to be light enough to take off from aircraft carriers, the only way the B25 could get within range of Japan.  They went as far as fitting the B-25 with a simple low-level bombing sight and even painting broom sticks black to replicate guns to achieve this weight loss.  

N747AF is presented in an authentic Russian paint scheme to commemorate the 862 B-25’s that where sent to Russia during the U.S. WWII lend-lease program.Lewis Air Legends B-25 never did see combat as it was produced in January of 1945 only months before victory in Europe.Through years of different ownership, the aircraft served various roles from a fire tanker and cargo hauler to a display aircraft.When purchased by Rod Lewis the aircraft underwent a complete restoration to bring her to the magnificent representation seen today at airshows and fly-over’s.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Wing Span: 67' 7"

• Length: 52' 11"

• Height: 16' 4"

• Max Speed: 272 mph

• Gross Weight: 33,510 lbs

• Power Plant: 2 x Wright R-2600-92 Cyclone radial piston engines

• Horsepower: 1,700 Ea

ARMAMENT

• Guns: 12 – 18 x .50 cal machine guns

• Bombs: 6,000 lbs

• Rockets: 8 x 5 in. (130mm) HVAR

• Hardpoints: 2,000 lbs (900kg) and 1 x external Mark 13 torpedo