B-25 Mitchell Bomber

Manufacturer: North American Aviation
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed 272 mph (438 km/h), typical published figure
Range Approximately 1,350 miles (2,173 km)
Payload Capacity Approximately 3,000 lb of bombs, configuration dependent
Crew Typically 5 to 6

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	North American B-25 Mitchell
Manufacturer	North American Aviation
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	1941
Status	Retired from military combat service, some civilian examples remain airworthy
Category	Medium bomber
Crew	5 to 6, depending on variant
Unit Cost	Historical prices varied. One B-25B museum reference lists $109,670 in 1943 dollars.

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	52 ft 11 in (16.13 m), typical
Wingspan	67 ft 7 in (20.60 m)
Height	16 ft 4 in (4.98 m)
Wing Area	610 sq ft (56.7 m²)
Empty Weight	Approximately 19,490 lb (8,840 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	Approximately 35,000 lb (15,876 kg), variant dependent

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	Approximately 272 mph (438 km/h)
Range	Approximately 1,350 miles (2,173 km)
Combat Radius	No single standard figure; mission and variant dependent
Service Ceiling	Approximately 24,200 ft (7,376 m)
Rate of Climb	Approximately 1,110 ft/min for a published B-25J example

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	2 × Wright R-2600 Cyclone radial piston engines
Thrust (per engine)	Not applicable, piston engines are rated by horsepower
Total Thrust	Not applicable

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	Typically around 3,000 lb of bombs
Weapons Bay	Internal bomb bay
Compatible Weapons	Conventional bombs, depth charges on suitable configurations, machine guns, rockets and torpedoes on selected variants
Hardpoints	Variant-specific external stores provisions, including torpedo fittings

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	No standard modern radar system
Navigation	Period radio navigation, compass and crew-operated navigation equipment
Electronic Warfare (EW)	No modern integrated EW suite
Stealth Features	None

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	U.S. Army Air Forces
Conflict Usage	World War II
Notable Missions	Doolittle Raid against Japan, April 18, 1942

8. Additional Information

Variants	B-25A, B, C, D, G, H, J; PBJ naval versions and reconnaissance variants
Successor / Future Replacement	No single direct successor; later tactical aircraft and jet bombers assumed its former roles
Notable Features	Twin radial engines, twin tail, tricycle landing gear, adaptable gun and bomb configurations
Estimated Operational Life	Retired from regular military service; surviving aircraft continue in limited civilian and heritage aviation roles

B-25 Mitchell Bomber: Specifications, Range and Cost

The B-25 Mitchell was an American twin-engine medium bomber that played a major role in Allied air operations during World War II. Designed for tactical bombing, low-level attacks, reconnaissance, and maritime strike missions, it combined a relatively sturdy airframe with substantial defensive armament and a useful bomb load. The aircraft became particularly well known for the Doolittle Raid against Japan in April 1942, demonstrating its ability to operate in an unconventional long-range strike mission.

Unlike modern bombers, the B-25 relied on piston engines, mechanical flight controls, and conventional navigation and targeting equipment. Its adaptable design supported numerous variants, including heavily armed gunships used against ground targets and shipping.

Manufacturer

Developed by North American Aviation in the United States, the B-25 first flew in August 1940 and entered U.S. Army Air Forces service in 1941. More than 9,800 aircraft were produced across its variants. The U.S. Army Air Forces was its principal operator, while Allied nations also used the aircraft during and after the war.

Speed and Range

The B-25’s maximum speed varied by model, with later versions reaching approximately 275 to 285 mph. Depending on configuration and mission profile, its operational range was generally around 1,350 miles, with ferry range considerably greater under suitable conditions. It typically carried a crew of five to six and could transport approximately 3,000 pounds of bombs, although payload varied by variant and operating conditions. Armament included .50-caliber machine guns, with some versions carrying additional forward-firing guns for ground attack.

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Cost/Price

The B-25 was produced in large numbers for wartime service. Historical unit prices varied by production model, contract, and equipment configuration. A single modern market price is not applicable because the aircraft is no longer in production. Surviving examples are valued individually according to condition, restoration, provenance, and airworthiness.

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