Watch the Low and Loud Power of the B-17G and B-25J at Owensboro Airshow
Preston Monoc / YouTube
The Owensboro Airshow gave aviation fans a chance to witness two of the most important bombers from World War II in action. Over the Ohio River in Kentucky, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey” and the North American B-25J Mitchell “Maid in the Shade” flew together in a rare demonstration. These aircraft, both over 80 years old, continue to fly in 2025, alongside them, a P-51D Mustang fighter added to the spectacle, showcasing the power and speed of the legendary aircraft that once protected these bombers in combat.
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
The B-17 Flying Fortress was a key part of the Allied bombing campaign during World War II. Built for durability and defense, the aircraft carried up to 13 .50 caliber machine guns, making it one of the most heavily armed bombers of its time. It had a crew of ten and could carry 4,000 to 8,000 pounds of bombs, depending on the mission. Its ability to absorb heavy damage and still return to base earned it a legendary reputation.
“Sentimental Journey” is one of the few surviving B-17s still flying today. It belongs to the Commemorative Air Force and serves as a flying museum, giving audiences a close-up experience of what it was like to see these bombers in action. Seeing it fly at Owensboro was a rare treat, as fewer than ten B-17s remain airworthy worldwide.
The North American B-25J Mitchell
The B-25 Mitchell was one of the most versatile bombers of World War II. Designed as a medium bomber, it could operate from land and aircraft carriers, making it useful in both the European and Pacific theaters. The B-25J variant was heavily armed, featuring up to 18 machine guns, a bomb load of 3,000 pounds, and the ability to attack ground targets with precision. It gained fame during the Doolittle Raid in 1942, when sixteen B-25s launched from an aircraft carrier to strike military targets in Japan.
“Maid in the Shade” is a restored B-25J that continues to fly as a tribute to the aircrews that served during the war. Maintained by the Commemorative Air Force, it regularly appears at airshows, giving spectators a chance to see the aircraft’s power and agility up close. At Owensboro, it flew low over the river, demonstrating the loud, deep roar of its twin radial engines.
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