The North American Aviation B-25 Mitchell was a twin-engine medium bomber that became one of the most versatile and celebrated American aircraft of World War II. This comprehensive documentation collection covers all major variants from early combat models through post-war trainer conversions, providing essential reference material for warbird operators, restoration professionals, and aviation historians.

Definitive Collection with Free Lifetime Updates: This is a living collection that we continuously expand and refine. As we acquire additional B-25 Mitchell documentation, technical bulletins, or variant-specific materials, we update this collection and provide free lifetime updates to all purchasers. Your one-time purchase guarantees access to all future additions and improvements to this collection.

Historical Note

The North American B-25 Mitchell was a twin-engine medium bomber that became one of the most versatile and celebrated American aircraft of World War II. Named after aviation pioneer Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell, it was the only U.S. military aircraft ever named after a specific person.

Key Historical Milestones:

The Doolittle Raid (April 18, 1942): The B-25 gained global fame when 16 modified B-25Bs, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet to bomb Tokyo. This mission provided a vital morale boost for the U.S. after Pearl Harbor.

Global Service: Approximately 9,800 units were produced, serving in every combat theater including the Pacific, Mediterranean, and Europe.

International Use: Under the Lend-Lease Act, it was flown by the British Royal Air Force (RAF), the Soviet Red Air Force, and the forces of China, Australia, and the Netherlands.

Empire State Building Crash (July 28, 1945): In a tragic domestic incident, a B-25 crashed into the 79th floor of the Empire State Building in heavy fog, killing 14 people.

Design and Versatility:

Tactical Evolution: Originally designed for medium-altitude level bombing, it was famously adapted for low-level strafing and skip-bombing in the Pacific to destroy Japanese shipping.

Heavy Armament: Later variants like the B-25H and B-25J were "gunships." The B-25H even featured a 75mm cannon in the nose, while some J models carried up to 18 forward-firing .50 caliber machine guns.

Reliability: Known for its rugged durability, it could sustain heavy damage and still return to base, earning deep respect from its crews.

Post-War Legacy:

Trainer and Transport: After 1945, many B-25s were converted into advanced pilot trainers (TB-25) and staff transports. The last B-25 was retired from the U.S. Air Force in May 1960.

Civilian Career: Surplus Mitchells found second lives as fire-bombers, executive transports, and even as "camera ships" for Hollywood films.

Manuals Included in This Collection

• NAA B-25 C, D Aircraft Pilot Training Manual
• NAA B-25 C, D Aircraft Flight Manual
• NAA B-25 C, D Aircraft Service Manual, Report, 1943
• NAA B-25 C, D Aircraft Maintenance Manual 1944
• NAA B-25 C, D Aircraft Parts Catalog Manual, TO 01-60GB-4, 1944
• NAA B-25 C, D Aircraft Erection and Maintenance Manual - RAAF Publication No 472, 1944
• NAA B-25 C, D Aircraft South Wind Hermetic Combustion Heaters Manual, 1952
• NAA B-25 C, D Aircraft Handbook Inspection Requirements Manual - T.O. 1B-25J-6, 1957
• NAA B-25 C, D, PBJ-1 C, D, Aircraft Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions Manual - AN 01-60GB-1, 1943
• NAA B-25 C, D, PBJ-1 C, -1D Aircraft Service Manual, Report, T.O. 01-GB-2- A.P. No. 23418- 1942
• NAA B-25 C, D, PBJ-1, Aircraft Structural Repair Manual - AN 01-60G-3, 1944 - Complete
• NAA B-25 C, D, PBJ-1, Aircraft Structural Repair Manual - AN 01-60G-3, 1945 - Complete
• NAA B-25 D Aircraft Special Ferrying Extra Long Distance Fuel Tank Manual
• NAA B-25 G Aircraft Flight Manual - NAA Report 5736
• NAA B-25 H Aircraft Flight Manual, NAA Report 5770, 1943
• NAA B-25 H Aircraft Maintenance Manual -Report No. NA-5872
• NAA B-25 H PBJ-1H Aircraft Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions Manual - AN 01-60GE-1, 1944
• NAA B-25 H-1, -5, -10 B-25J-1,-5, -10, -15,-20, -25, -30, PBJ-1H and PBJ-1J Aircraft Parts Catalog Manual, TO 01-60G-4, 1945
• NAA B-25 H-1-NA Aircraft Erection and Maintenance Manual, Report NA-5785, 1943
• NAA B-25 J Aircraft Pilot's Flight Operating Manual
• NAA B-25 J Aircraft Flight Manual - NAA Report 5853, 1944
• NAA B-25 J TB-25-J, K, L, M, N List of Application Publications T.O. 1B-25(T)J-O1D, 1958
• NAA B-25 J, TB-25-J, PBJ-1J Aircraft Flight Manual An 01-60G-1, 1949
• NAA B-25 J, TN-25 J, L, TB-25L-1and TB-25 N, Handbook Erection and Maintenance - T.O. 1B-25(T)J-2, 1957, 1500 pages
• NAA B-25 J, TN-25 J, L, TB-25L-1and TB-25 N, Illustrated Parts Catalog - T.O. 1B-25(T)J-4, 1957, 1100 pages
• NAA B-25 J-1, 5,10,-15,-20,-25,-30,-35 Aircraft Handbook Flight Operating Instructions Manual - AN 01-60GE-1, 1944
• NAA B-25 J-1 NC, J-5-NC, Aircraft Erection and Maintenance Manual - AN 01-60GE-2, 1944
• NAA TB-25N Aircraft Flight Manual - T.O. 1B-25(T)N-1, 1956
• NAA TB-25M Aircraft Flight Manual - T.O. 1B-25(T)M-1, 1957
• NAA TB-25K Aircraft Flight Manual - T.O. 1B-25(T)K-1, 1957
• NAA TB-25K Aircraft Handbook Flight Operating Instructions Manual - AN 01-60GEA-1, 1952

Collection Overview

This collection spans the complete operational history of the B-25 Mitchell, covering variants B, C, D, G, H, J, and post-war trainer conversions (TB-25K, TB-25M, TB-25N). It includes flight manuals, pilot training materials, maintenance instructions, structural repair guides (multiple editions), illustrated parts catalogs, and specialized documentation for heating systems and fuel tanks. Coverage extends to both USAAF (B-25) and USN (PBJ-1) variants, providing essential reference material for warbird operators, restoration professionals, and aviation historians researching this iconic medium bomber.

Engineering Norms and Standards

The North American Aviation (NAA) B-25 Mitchell was developed under USAAC/USAAF contracts, adhering to 1930s-1940s Army Air Forces (AAF) specifications, including ANA (Army-Navy Aeronautical) standards. Design was based on NAA engineering practices focusing on high-speed medium bomber requirements (e.g., NA-62, NA-108 contracts), utilizing Wright R-2600 engines and stringent structural, flight, and weight standards of the era.

Military Specifications and Engineering Standards (circa 1940-1945):

USAAC/USAAF Specification Documents: The B-25 design was governed by Army Air Corps specifications for medium bombers, which set requirements for armament (e.g., .50 cal guns), speed (443 km/h for H model), and range (approx. 1,350 miles).

ANA (Army-Navy Aeronautical) Standards: Components and materials used in the B-25, such as fasteners, electrical connectors, and materials, followed joint Army-Navy (ANA) standards rather than modern civilian standards.

NAA Engineering Practices: North American Aviation implemented internal standards for structural assembly, fuselage frame ordinates, wing CAD profiles, and material tolerances, particularly for production versions like the B-25J-NC.

Structural and Loads Requirements: Design and testing followed early 1940s military criteria for maneuver loads, gust loads, and structural safety factors, which emphasized high-load factors for combat survivability.

Engines: Wright R-2600-13 or -29 Cyclone radial engines complied with specific Army-Navy powerplant specifications for twin-engine bombers.

Armament Standards: Requirements for nose-mounted (including 75mm T-13E1 cannon) and turret-mounted (.50 caliber) guns, as well as bomb bay requirements, followed USAAF ordnance specifications.

While modern CAR (Civil Air Regulations) did not apply, the B-25 was designed for high reliability, utilizing foundational military design criteria for structural integrity and performance.

Specialized Documentation

The North American Aviation (NAA) B-25 Mitchell operates primarily under Restricted Category Type Certificates (TCDS 3A22 or similar). Current operators rely on specialized, legacy maintenance protocols and select Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) rather than modern turbine conversions. Based on current information, over 100 B-25s survive, of which approximately 45 are airworthy, mainly within the United States.

STC Modifications, Turbine Conversions, and Specialized Modifications:

Turbine Conversions: There are no widely known or currently active FAA-certified STC turbine conversions for the B-25 Mitchell. The aircraft continues to operate on its original Wright R-2600 radial engine platforms.

Specialized Modifications: Most operational B-25s are warbird restorations. Common "specialized" modifications for modern operations include:

• Avionics Upgrades: Installation of modern radios, transponders, and GPS/navigation systems, which often require STCs or field approvals for operation in modern airspace.
• Passenger Configuration: Conversion of the bomb bay for extra seating or cargo, similar to historic VIP transport conversions.
• External Power/Lighting: Modern safety lighting and updated starter systems for improved reliability.

Documentation Support: AirCorps Library is a primary source for digital blueprints, drawings, and technical manuals for the B-25.

Service Bulletins (SB) and Airworthiness Directives (AD):

AD Source: The primary source for official ADs is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) or their official database.

SB Source: Because North American Aviation no longer exists, there are no "current" official factory Service Bulletins being issued. Maintenance is supported by historic records and the warbird community, specifically via organizations like the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) or Delaware Aviation Museum.

Known Issues: Operators often focus on propeller hubs, landing gear inspections, and engine overhaul compliance for the Wright R-2600s.

Type Certificate Holder:

TC Holder: The original Type Certificate for the North American B-25 is no longer held by an active, original manufacturer. The aircraft is generally operated in the "Restricted" category.

Official Support: Official support in the sense of a continuing manufacturer (like Boeing for modern aircraft) does not exist for the B-25. Support is found through:

• FAA Safety Inspectors: For operating under Restricted Category.
• Specialized Warbird Maintenance Shops: Organizations specializing in WWII-era aircraft maintenance, such as AirCorps Aviation or B-25-specific operators.
• Delaware Aviation Museum: Provides B-25 ground school and pilot training.

Fuel System and STC Details:

Fuel Capacity: Standard capacity varies by model, with 916 gallons (self-sealing) in the center wing section for early models, reducing to 694 gallons in some configurations.

STC Considerations: Many B-25s operate with modernized avionics, modified fuel systems (e.g., updated fuel pumps, different sealant materials), and modified weapon bays (e.g., bomb bay tanks). These often require STCs to operate under modern FAA regulations.

Engine/Fuel System Manuals: The B-25 used Wright R-2600-13 or -29 Cyclone engines. Specific manuals for these engines, covering fuel management and superchargers, are available through the AirCorps Library.

Where to Find Additional Documentation

Official Support & Data:

• FAA Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS): The official source for FAA-approved STCs. Note that possession of an STC document does not grant rights to the design data; the STC holder must be contacted for installation rights.
• AirCorps Library: Maintains a comprehensive, digitized, and searchable collection of over 53,000 engineering drawings, technical orders, flight manuals (e.g., AAF No. 50-11), and Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) for the B-25.
• Type Certificate Holder: As NAA was absorbed by Boeing, historical technical support for the original design should be directed through Boeing, though legacy support is specialized.

Historical Archives & Type Clubs:

• B-25 History Project: A primary resource for technical documentation, including 2D/3D archives of artifacts, "North Ameri-Kansan" newsletters, wiring diagrams, and structural repair manuals. They are actively assembling a digital repository for every B-25 airframe.
• Tri-State Warbird Museum: Houses extensive, digitized, and physical archives, including manuals and data from the Russell B. Witte, Jr. collection.
• Warbird Associations (CAF, EAA): The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and EAA Warbirds of America provide resources, documentation, and operational experience.
• Forums: Forums such as IL-2 Sturmovik and Warbird Information Exchange often feature in-depth discussions on fuel system modifications and contain archived copies of Erection and Maintenance instructions.

Specialty Vendors & Restoration Specialists:

• Online Aviation Library: Provides structured digital aviation documentation collections for serious enthusiasts and restoration professionals.
• Warbirds of Glory Museum (WOG): Specializes in B-25 restoration and holds technical data.
• Aviation CAD TechNotes: Provides data on structural components and wing center section CAD conversions.
• B-25 Ground School (Delaware Aviation Museum): Provides detailed Pilot's Operating Manuals and training materials, which are invaluable for understanding system operations.
• Specialty Fuel Cell Vendors: 1940s-era self-sealing fuel cell documentation and modern resealing services for warbirds are usually handled by firms specializing in rubberized military fuel cells.

Format and Delivery

All manuals are provided as high-resolution PDF files, optimized for both screen viewing and printing. Files are delivered via secure digital download immediately upon purchase. For large collections, cloud-based delivery links may be provided to ensure reliable access to your complete documentation set.

Disclaimer

This item is sold for historical and reference only. These are either original or copies of manuals and blueprints used when these aircraft were in active duty, now transferred into electronic format. These manuals and blueprints are not meant to be used for current update material for certification/repair, but make an excellent reference for the scholar, collector, modeller or aircraft buffs. For proprietary reasons, we generally only provide civil manuals and blueprints on obsolete aircraft/engines/helicopters. The information is for reference only, and we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy or currency of any manuals.

Reference herein to any specific commercial products by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, is not meant to imply or suggest any endorsement by, or affiliation with that manufacturer or supplier. All trade names, trademarks and manufacturer names are the property of their respective owners.

This digital compilation, structure, indexing and presentation are © Sicuro Publishing.