This is Part 2 of 2, Shot with my GoPro filmed from inside the B-25. Recorded Aug. 10, 2013. I had the privilege to fly on AAF American Aeronautical Foundations North American B-25J Mitchell "Executive Sweet" N30801 manufactured in 1944.
We flew out of the Camarillo Airport. CA. KCMA
This is part 2 of 2, Part 1 is Video footage filmed by my wife Gail Whisenant Engine Start-Up, Taxi, Take-Off, Landing Etc.
Info below is from American Aeronautical Foundations Website
http://www.aafgroup.org/
History of "Executive Sweet"
Millions of aviation fans have seen this popular 69 year old Warbird perform. Built in Kansas City in 1944 -45 as a B-25J, Executive Sweet saw extensive Stateside service throughout the war as a crew trainer. In 1948,it was turned converted into a USAF VB-25J, a VIP transport until the end of her service. In December of 1954 it was upgraded and designated a VB-25N by Hayes Aircraft, Inc. After several more years in military service at the School of Aviation Medicine at Randolph Field, Texas, the Mitchell was sold as surplus ad became a crop sprayer. Acquired by Hollywood's Filmways Studios in 1968, the B-25 became the lead "on camera" aircraft named Vestal Virgin in the film Catch-22. Placed for sale after completion of filming in 1970, it was purchased by Ed Schnepf (Thank you Ed!!) in 1972 to begin a two-year restorative program back to a wartime J model appearance.
Looking factory - new in its bare metal finish, Executive Sweet once again was armed with thirteen .50 caliber machine guns, a Norden bombsight and operable bomb bay, authentic insignia and interior detailing down to crash axes and crew intercom.
In 1982, Schnepf's Challenge Publications donated the B-25 to the newly formed American Aeronautical Foundation Museum at Camarillo, California, who has been operating it ever since. Executive Sweet has appeared in a dozen major films and numerous TV shows and commercials. In April 1992, the plane participated in the Doolittle Raid 50th Anniversary reenactment staged at North Island NAS.
Executive Sweet set the pace that soon saw hundreds of other warbirds fully restored to their original wartime pristine condition. As it begins its 37th year of appearances, Executive Sweet enters the season with a great new look (see our new nose art), and multiple shows already scheduled. The pilots and air crew volunteers of the AAF Museum look forward to another season of keeping alive the aviation heritage that millions come to share each year.
Specifications:
Powerplant:
Two Wright R-2600-13 Double Cyclone fourteen-cylinder air-cooled radials, rated at 1700 hp each for takeoff and 1500 hp at 2400 rpm. Equipped with Holley 1685HA carburetors or Bendix Stromberg carburetors.
Performance:
Maximum speed 275 mph at 15,000 feet. 230 mph cruising speed. Initial climb rate 1110 feet per minute. An altitude of 15,000 feet could be reached in 19 minutes. Service ceiling 24,000 feet. Range 1275 miles with 3200 pounds of bombs. Ferry range 2700 miles.
I want to thank the American Aeronautical Foundation for allowing people to fly on this great piece of history.
Also a huge thank you to pilot John, Co-Pilot, flight crew and ground crew.
You can find read more about the American Aeronautical Foundation by click on the Website listed below.
http://www.aafgroup.org/