By Scott Thompson, Aero Vintage
While much attention has been focused on the extensive B-17 restoration projects currently underway at The Warbird Shop in Madras, Oregon, another important warbird is receiving significant structural attention behind the scenes. North American B-25N Mitchell 44-30801 (N30801), better known as Executive Sweet, is currently undergoing major fuselage repairs at the facility. According to Aero Vintage’s recent visit to Madras, the aircraft is receiving extensive work to its center fuselage section, with technicians replacing worn and corroded structural components as part of a long-term effort to ensure the bomber’s continued airworthiness.
The project involves separating portions of the fuselage to gain access to the aircraft’s internal structure. Once opened, damaged components can be repaired or replaced before the airframe is reassembled. The work represents one of the more significant structural maintenance projects currently underway at The Warbird Shop. Executive Sweet joined the Liberty Foundation’s collection in 2023 following its acquisition from the American Aeronautical Foundation (AAF). The Douglas, Georgia-based organization’s collection includes a P-51D Mustang “Old Crow,” a Douglas C-47A, and a Douglas B-23 Dragon.
Built in 1945, Executive Sweet served with the U.S. Army Air Forces before entering civilian service after WWII. Over the decades, the aircraft flew in a variety of roles, helping preserve another example of the iconic twin-engine bomber that became famous for its service in every theater of WWII. Although no timeline has been announced for the completion of the current work, the restoration effort reflects the Liberty Foundation’s commitment to maintaining the aircraft to the highest standards while preserving its long-term future. Once completed, the repairs will help ensure that Executive Sweet remains an active ambassador for aviation history for years to come. For more information about the Liberty Foundation, visit www.libertyfoundation.org. Many thanks indeed to Scott A. Thompson for allowing us to reproduce this article… his book, The B-25 Mitchell in Civil Service, includes a detailed history of all civil B-25s, foreign and U.S. registered, the gold standard when it comes to the airframe history it describes!
