WWII bomber to be featured in OC Air Show
The 10th anniversary edition of the OC Air Show, scheduled for June 17-18, will feature the famous “Panchito” B-25 World War II Bomber.
The performance will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid on Japan in April 1942.
The B-25 first gained fame after 16 B-25Bs, led by Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, attacked mainland Japan four months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The mission gave a much-needed lift in spirits to the Americans and alarmed the Japanese, who had believed their home islands were safe from enemy forces. Although the amount of actual damage done was relatively minor, it forced the Japanese to divert troops for the home defense for the remainder of the war.
The North American B-25 Mitchell was an American twin-engine medium bomber manufactured by North American Aviation. It was used by many Allied air forces, in every theater of World War II, as well as by many other air forces after the war ended. It saw service across four decades.
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The B-25 was named in honor of Gen. Billy Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. By the end of its production, nearly 10,000 B-25s in numerous models had been built. These included a few limited variations, such as the United States Navy’s and Marine Corps’ PBJ-1 patrol bomber and the United States Army Air Force's F-10 photo reconnaissance aircraft.
OC Air Show fans will have the chance to take a flight in the “Panchito” B-25 Bomber. For a donation of $425 to the Delaware Aviation Museum, spectators can travel back in time and experience what it was actually like to be on the crew of this World War II era bomber. To reserve a ride, call 443-458-8926 or email panchitoB25@aol.com.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the OC Air Show, which will also feature a wide variety of military demos, including the F-22 Raptor, the USMC MV-22 Osprey and the return of the A-10 Warthog.
Additionally, the show will include performances by the GEICO Skytypers, Mike Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts and David Windmiller.
Flight Line Club, Drop Zone Beach and VIP Skybox premium viewing tickets are on sale now. Purchase online at www.ocairshow.com.