North American B-25 Mitchell – “SB 459811” in Flight
Archival Aviation Print
Description: This dynamic image showcases the iconic B-25 Mitchell in low-altitude flight, banking gently with propellers blurred in motion. Featuring its wartime camouflage and twin tail fins, the aircraft bears the “SB” tail code and serial number 459811—evoking its storied role in World War II, including the famed Doolittle Raid. A compelling addition for collectors and aviation historians alike.
Details:
Aircraft: North American B-25 Mitchell
Tail Code: SB 459811
Era: World War II
Print Type: Archival-quality photographic print
Orientation: Landscape
Finish: Matte or Gloss (selectable)
Sizes Available: A4, A3, A2
Photographer Credit:Photograph by Stuart H Bourne All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Historical Note: The B-25 Mitchell was a twin-engine medium bomber renowned for its versatility and resilience. Its legacy was cemented during the daring 1942 Doolittle Raid over Tokyo, marking a pivotal moment in Allied air strategy.
Airframe History – B-25J Mitchell “SB 459811”
Serial Number: 45-8811 Construction Number: 108-47 Variant: B-25J Mitchell Original Service: United States Army Air Forces (USAAF)
Historical Journey:
After military service, the aircraft was stored at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ.
It passed through multiple civilian owners across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands under registration N9621C.
Eventually transferred to Apache Aviation in Dijon, France, and operated by Flying Legends.
Later re-registered as F-AZID, then HB-RDE under Jet Alpine Fighters / Red Bull, and finally F-AZZU under Société de Développement et de Promotion de l’Aviation (SDPA) in France.
The aircraft was named Russell’s Raiders and flew in airshows including Flying Legends at Duxford.
Sadly, it was badly damaged by an engine fire after a forced landing at Melun-Villaroche, France.
Current Operator: As of the latest records, the aircraft is registered to , based in Cerny, Île-de-France, Haut
