Have You Seen History Flight’s Barbie III?

Back in the first week of December 2012, History Flight’s B-25H Mitchell bomber, the “Barbie III”, made a scheduled stop at Wings Over Miami on its way south to the Ocean Reef Club’s Vintage weekend. The plane was set to make several flights from the museum during its visit. Unfortunately, during its flight, one engine indicated some issues and to be on the safe side, the plane returned to the ramp at Wings Over Miami for an once-over. Thus, visitors to the museum are treated to a close-up view of this beautiful aircraft.

The Barbie III is a fine example of the North American B-25H which is one of the best recognized bombers from World War II. This type of aircraft became well-known following the first retaliatory strike on Japan after the U.S. entered WWII. As the war raged on, the B-25 became an icon of American air strength during the war.

The B-25H  is a treasured warbird with only approximately 25 preserved in flying condition out of the 1000 that were built. The B-25H “Barbie III” sitting on the Wings ramp is the last H-model B-25 flying in the world and is the only one equipped with the unique 75mm cannon in the nose for ground attack purposes. It was built in 1943 in California and served our military throughout the war here in the United States until its retirement in 1947.

History Flight has the history of its B-25H on their website. It is interesting to read about the  family history of the plane’s previous owners and all details that went into restoring this particular B-25H to a beautiful flying machine. You may visit the History Flight web page featuring Barbie III by clicking here.  History Flight also has some video of the Barbie III on the webpage.

In a very short time, Barbie III will be once again be flying bringing back the memories of the B-25’s importance to the security of our nation.  Visit our media tab here or our Facebook album to see additional photographs of the Barbie III.