North American B-25J Mitchell "Executive Sweet" Model Airplane

Item#: AB25EST

MSRP Price: $183.55

Factory Direct Price: $137.66

Wing Span: 13.50"
Length: 16.50"

Manufacturer: North American Aviation

Introducing Factory Direct Models North American B-25J Mitchell "Executive Sweet" Scale Model Aircraft, This Model Airplane Replica was hand crafted with absolute precision using the finest Philippine Mahogany. Working from our library of blueprints, reference materials and their photographs, Factory Direct Models master artisans recreated this historic military warplane into an incredibly desktop display model.

Please note that the stand shown in this photograph may vary or change with the model you receive.

We also make Custom Made Airplane Models to meet your specifications with the capability to include your company logo and inscribed inscription plaque to make your model a personalized work of art. If you would like personalized Custom Model Model Please Call (866) 580-8727.

North American B-25J Mitchell "Executive Sweet" History:

Design of the North American B-25 Mitchell bomber began during 1938 at Inglewood, California in response to a USAAC requirement for a twin-engine medium attack bomber. The prototype first flew in January 1939, but its initial performance proved somewhat of a disappointment. To improve performance North American reconfigured the fuselage and wings and replaced the inadequate Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines with more powerful Wright R-2600 Cyclones. The revised design was approved by the Air Corps in September 1939. By then the Second World War had started and as the military urgently required new aircraft, the initial batch of 200 B-25s was ordered straight from the drawing board. The first production aircraft flew in August 1940 and from then on production grew steadily at several locations across the US. The first B-25s went into service with the US Army Air Corps towards the end of 1940.

The North American B-25 was among the famous twin engine medium bombers used during World War II. It was the most widely produced American twin engine combat aircraft, with approximately 10,000 produced, in a total of 8 major models. No doubt, part of its heroic stature derives from its namesake, the outspoken Gen. Billy Mitchell who proved once and for all that bombers could destroy targets, and that wars would nevermore be decided only on land or sea. The B-25 achieved worldwide fame on April 18, 1942. Sixteen B-25's, under the command of Lt. Col. James Doolittle, were launched from the aircraft carrier Hornet in a daring raid on five Japanese cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kobe.

B-25 Mitchells fought in every theatre of the Second World War and operated in many roles including tactical bombing, low-level strafing and skip bombing and anti-shipping strikes. In addition to service with the U.S. Army Air Force, these bombers were also used to good effect by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and the air forces of 17 foreign countries. The last operational B-25 was finally retired from the U.S. Air Force inventory in January 1959.

"Executive Sweet" was built in 1944 in Kansas City as a B-25J. It was delivered to the Army Air Force in early 1945 and served in the Training Command. In 1954 it went to Birmingham, AL and was converted to a TB-25N. It then served as a multi-engine trainer until 1959. Sold as surplus, it went to Greybull, WY and was converted to a sprayer. After a short time in that role it went to Filmways Inc. Ed Schnepf bought the aircraft right after the filming of "Catch-22". It was flown as 6K (tail marking), and the name "Vestal Virgin". It became "Executive Sweet" in 1972.

In 1985, the "American Aeronautical Foundation" was formed by Ed Schnepf, with "Executive Sweet" as the flagship. The aircraft has been used, and still is, as a camera platform by Challenge Publications to take some of the best aviation photographs on the market today.