This collectible model B-25 represents “Maid in the shade,” a B-25J operated by the Doolittle Raid in 1942; served in Europe, and became deadly ground attack aircraft when fitted with up to 14 forward-firing machine guns.

Development of the B-25 began in the 1930s as an outgrowth of North American Aviation’s XB-21 project. The new aircraft, called NA-40 by the company, was evaluated by the Army Air Corps in 1939 and ordered into production as the B-25.

The B-25 was an inch under 53 feet long, with a wingspan of 67 feet, 6 inches. Powered by two Wright 2600 Twin Cyclone engines developing 1,850 horsepower each, the B-25 had a maximum speed of 275 mph and a combat radius of 1,350 miles.

Armament could include up to 6,000 pounds of bombs; eight 5-inch rockets; a torpedo, and forward firing machine guns or cannon. Versions of the B-25 fitted with up to 14 forward-firing .50-caliber machine guns proved devastating to Japanese shipping, and strafing and “parafrag” attacks proved valuable for attacking airfields.

Maj. Paul “Pappy” Gunn developed many of the innovations that made the Mitchell a devastating attack aircraft, pioneering the strafing modifications, as well as skip-bombing techniques against shipping. Mitchells would come in at low-level, guns blazing, as pilots kicked rudder pedals to walk rounds along the waterline of Japanese ships and to suppress anti-aircraft fire. Crews would drop their delay-fused bombs before they roared just above their targets. The bombs would skip along the surface, hit the ship and sink before exploding underwater, ripping open the underside of the vessel.

Almost 10,000 B-25s were produced, and the tough bombers served with many nations. Following World War II, many B-25s landed in long-term storage while others continued to be used as trainers, recon aircraft or in support roles. The last B-25 in the Air Force was retired in 1960.

Special Delivery is maintained in flight worthy condition in Texas.