B-25D Mitchell “Rosie’s Reply”

About B-25s

The North American B-25 Mitchell is an American twin-engine, medium bomber manufactured by North American Aviation. They are named after General “Billy” Mitchell, the father of the US Air Force. B-25s were the most effective medium bombers during WWII. B-25s are most well-known as the aircraft used during the carrier-launched Doolittle Raid in April 1942. However, they did operate on all fronts of the war and are the first medium sized bombers to fly off aircraft carriers. They were also used during the Korean War and by the French in the Vietnam War.

About the B-25 “Rosie’s Reply”

“Rosie’s Reply” was delivered to the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 17, 1943. It departed the U.S. and flew bombing missions with the 12th Air Force, 57th Bomb Wing, 340th Bombardment Group, 489th Bombardment Squadron. It flew successful missions over Sicily, Italy and Brenner Pass. This aircraft returned to the U.S. in January 1944 and joined the Lend-Lease Program. It was turned over to the British Government and used by the Royal Canadian Air Force as a trainer.

It was eventually turned over to a private owner before being purchased by the Michigan Flight Museum in 1987. It underwent a three-year restoration and retuned to the skies in 2003. “Rosie’s Reply” is the only flying B-25D-35 and one of the very few aircraft with documented combat history.

General Characteristics

Crew: 6
Powerplant: 2x Wright R-2600 Cyclones
Engine Type: Two row, 14 cylinder, air-cooled radials
Horsepower: 1,700 HP each
Maximum Speed: 275 mph
Cruising Speed: 230 mph
Fuel Burn: Combined 150 gallons per hour
Combat Radius: 1,350 miles
Typical gun complement: 8 .50 caliber machine guns
Typical bomb load: 4,000 lbs.

Learn More: https://miflightmuseum.org/aircraft-collection/

Book a Ride in the B-25: https://miflightmuseum.org/b-25-bomber/