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B-17 Flying Fortress
Even though it wasn’t a revolutionary aircraft such as the B-29, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is probably the most famous American bomber of World War 2 (compared to the B-29, it was twice as “light”, so to speak). At first lacking sufficient anti-fighter defence, this heavy bomber was enhanced and become known as the "Fortress" because of its great survivability.
The most renowned B-17, perhaps, is the Memphis Belle, which flew 25 bombing missions over hostile territory, before its crew got to go back to the USA as instructors. Many times, the B-17s would come back to their England base with only one engine working, crew members injured and a several damages, and would take off again a few weeks later, repaired – but some would land in such a terrible state that they would simply go the dump. That speaks volume about the sturdiness of this aircraft.
Created in 1935, the Boeing B-17 entered service in 1941 (one must keep in mind that before that, the United States were not at war). The number of machine-guns equipping the Flying Fortress gradually reached 13. This allowed the planes to defend themselves, especially when flying in “boxes” formation – every angle would then be covered and the Axis’ fighters would have no place to hide when attacking.
More than 12,300 Boeing Flying Fortress were built.
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Type:
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Heavy
Bomber
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Crew:
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10
to 13
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Powerplant:
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Four
1250hp Wright Cyclone R-1820-65
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Max speed:
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323mph
(520 km/h)
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Ceiling:
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11,278m
(37,000ft)
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Range:
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Over
3000 miles (4830km)
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Weight (empty):
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16,206kg
(35,728 lb)
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Weight (loaded):
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29,759kg
(65,600lb)
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Wingspan:
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31.6m
(103'9")
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Length:
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20.7m
(67'11")
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Height:
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17
ft. 9 in. (5.6m)
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Armament:
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Between
9 & 12 M2 12.7mm (0.50") Machine Guns, 1x 7.7mm (0.303")
machine gun, bombload upto
17,600 lbs (7,985 kg)
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The B-17 Flying Fortress was one of the most famous American World War 2 planes
Click here to find out about other American WW2 airplanes.
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