B-25 Bomber vs 747 Size Comparison: How Big Is the Difference?
When people compare a World War II bomber to a modern jumbo jet, the size difference is shocking. In this guide, we’ll break down the B-25 bomber vs 747 size comparison in simple terms so you can clearly see how far aviation has come.
We’re comparing the historic North American B-25 Mitchell and the famous jumbo jet Boeing 747.
North American B-25 Mitchell (WWII Bomber)
The B-25 was a twin-engine medium bomber used during World War II. It became famous for the Doolittle Raid over Japan in 1942.
B-25 Size Specs:
- Length: 53 feet
- Wingspan: 67 feet
- Height: 16 feet
- Max Takeoff Weight: Around 35,000 pounds
- Crew: 5–6 people
It was built for combat missions, not passenger travel. Compared to modern aircraft, it’s relatively small.
Boeing 747 (Jumbo Jet)
The Boeing 747 changed air travel when it entered service in 1970. It became one of the most recognizable airplanes in the world because of its “hump” upper deck.
Boeing 747 Size Specs:
- Length: 231 feet
- Wingspan: 211 feet
- Height: 63 feet
- Max Takeoff Weight: Around 875,000 pounds (depending on model)
- Passengers: 400–660 people
This aircraft was designed for long-distance passenger travel across continents.
Side-by-Side Size Comparison
| Feature | B-25 Bomber | Boeing 747 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 53 ft | 231 ft |
| Wingspan | 67 ft | 211 ft |
| Height | 16 ft | 63 ft |
| Weight | 35,000 lbs | 875,000 lbs |
| People Onboard | 5–6 | 400+ |
How Much Bigger Is the 747?
Let’s break it down simply:
- The 747 is over 4 times longer than the B-25.
- The 747’s wingspan is more than 3 times wider.
- The 747 weighs about 25 times more.
- The 747 can carry over 100 times more people.
If you parked a B-25 next to a 747, the bomber would look tiny.
In fact, several B-25 aircraft could fit along the length of one 747.
Purpose Makes the Difference
The huge size gap exists because these aircraft were built for totally different jobs.
B-25:
- Military bomber
- Short-to-medium range missions
- Carried bombs, not passengers
- Designed in the 1940s
747:
- Commercial passenger jet
- Long-haul international flights
- Built for comfort and cargo
- Designed in the late 1960s
Technology improved massively between WWII and the jet age.
Wing Area Comparison
The 747’s wings are so large that:
- You could fit multiple B-25 wings within the span of a 747 wing.
- The 747’s wing area is larger than many small houses.
The B-25 looks powerful for its time — but compared to a jumbo jet, it’s compact.
Speed Comparison
Even though the 747 is much bigger:
- B-25 Top Speed: ~275 mph
- 747 Cruise Speed: ~570 mph
The 747 is not only bigger — it’s also much faster.
Jet engines changed aviation forever.
Visual Size Example
Imagine this:
- The B-25 is about the size of a small business jet today.
- The 747 is like a flying apartment building.
If both aircraft were parked at the same airport gate, the 747 would tower over the WWII bomber.
Historical Impact
Even though the 747 is much larger, both aircraft are legendary.
The B-25 played a key role in WWII history.
The 747 made international travel affordable and common.
Different eras. Different missions. Massive size difference.
Final Verdict: B-25 Bomber vs 747 Size Comparison
Here’s the simple answer:
✔ The Boeing 747 is dramatically larger than the B-25 bomber
✔ It’s over 4× longer
✔ It has 3× wider wings
✔ It weighs about 25× more
✔ It carries hundreds more people
The comparison clearly shows how much aviation evolved from the 1940s to modern commercial flight.
Quick Summary
- B-25 = WWII medium bomber
- 747 = Modern jumbo jet
- 747 is massively bigger in every dimension
- Different purpose, different era
- Both are historic aircraft in their own way
When comparing B-25 bomber vs 747 size, the 747 is the clear giant — but the B-25 remains an important piece of aviation history.
