B-25J-25-NC SN 44-30444

History

The B-25J-25-NC SN 44-3044 was delivered on January 19, 1945 in excess inventory to military needs. She spent the remainder of the war in storage at several reserve depots. In 1951 after seven years in storage the nearly new aircraft was recalled for conversion to a TB-25L. This was an updated pilot trainer for the USAF. While stationed at Biggs AFB in 1951 she was used for flight testing the conversions of the TB-25Ls. She was stationed at Biggs Field, Texas for pilot training. She was one of the first B-25s converted to the TB-25L designation. In addition to the testing she was also used in actual training programs. She was eventually placed into base reserve at Biggs. The storage period was due to the Air Force directive to convert some of the existing B-25s to the new radar trainer versions the TB-25M. Many of the changes associated with the M models had already been completed on the L models and several of the recently reconfigured Ls were converted to M version for that reason. The TB-25Ms were actually updated versions of the TB-25K which was the first B-25 version for radar intercept training. The M model was equipped with the improved E-5 radar system over the earlier E-1 fire control system. After being updated to the M configuration she was loaned to the RCAF in August 1954.

In service in Canada she was one of five B-25s operated on a special training program from the USAF to the RCAF. These five aircraft operated in Canada between August 28, 1954 and June 25, 1955 before returning to the USAF. Air Force records do not show a designation change to her but when she returned from the RCAF various electronic modifications and new electronic systems for radar training had been installed while in Canada. With the RCAF these B-25s were used in testing the radar and other electronic systems then planned for use by both the USAF and the RCAF. Returned from Canada in June 1955 she was sent to Birmingham, Alabama for maintenance and modifications before assignment to James Connally AFB Texas for radar crew training. While at Connally she was also used to train radar navigation crews. She remained in this role until put into storage at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona in 1957.

She was recalled from storage in June 1958 after only a few months in retirement. She was assigned to the 128th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the Wisconsin ANG at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was used to train interceptor crews for the Air Defense Command in Wisconsin flying F-89s. An engine failure grounded her in late l958 while on a training flight. Since the USAF was phasing out all remaining B-25s no repairs were planned. The following summary of assignments are listed on her record card:

Base Assignments

With a formal request to the Air Force she was donated to the Mitchell Field Rotary Club for display at Billy Mitchell Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1959. She was finally moved from the ANG location and put on display at the entrance to the airport in 1964. In 1977 she was moved from her original display location to make room for road construction. While in storage during this period, she received maintenance and was repainted by the members of the Wisconsin ANG. She received additional maintenance from the Wisconsin ANG in l990 to insure some protection from the harsh northern elements while on display. She continues to be displayed at Mitchell Field in front of the air terminal in Milwaukee, Wisconsin basically in the last marking she had with the Wisconsin ANG. In early 2018 internal corrosion led to a collapse of a wing. Repairs were made several months later

• Model: B-25J-25-NC
• Serial Number: 44-30444
• NAA Mfg. Number: 108-33719
• FAA Registration: Never Registered
• Mfg. Plant: Fairfax - Kansas City, Kansas
• Completion Date: January 17, 1945
• Delivery Date: January 19, 1945
• Status: Static
• Owner: Mitchell Field
• Location: Milwaukee, WI
• Website:
• Notable info:

This page represents the most current information we have on this aircraft. The information above was last updated 09/2020 with information provided by Bob Haney. Our goal is to have the most current and correct information possible. If you have any information about this aircraft not listed here or see anything posted in error, please contact the B-25 History Project so we may update our records.