De-icing Tests on B-25

In 1942, two B-25Cs were converted to test aircraft in order to investigate de-icing and anti-icing equipment; these planes were redesignated XB-25E and XB-25F. The XB-25E (nicknamed "Flamin' Maimie") used engine exhaust gases circulated through chambers in the wing to melt ice. The XB-25F used insulated electrical coils to heat the metal surfaces. Both were tested extensively until 1944; the XB-25E system was extremely reliable and more practical than the XB-25F system.

While the results of the tests on the XB-25E were promising, no aircraft during World War II was built to utilize that system, although it is commonly used today. Most propeller-driven planes used by the United States Air Force use so-called "piccolo tubes" that run along the leading edges of the wings. Hot air bled from the engines is blown through these tubes, and melts away any ice formations on the wings.

The further history of the XB-25F is unknown, but the sole XB-25E (42-32281) was crashed in a test program to develop fire extinguishing systems for aircraft. "Flaming Mamie" got her name from the fact that an engine caught fire every time they started it up. The nose art of the plane showed a mechanic in a winter flight jacket running away from a fire with an extinguisher in his hand.