The B-17 Flying Fortress is an iconic American heavy bomber from World War II. Here are detailed aspects of its history and significance:
Development
- Designer: Developed by the Boeing Company in the 1930s, the B-17 was a response to the U.S. Army Air Corps' requirement for a multi-engine bomber with heavy defensive armament.
- First Flight: The prototype, known as the Model 299, took its first flight on July 28, 1935.
- Production: Initial orders were placed in 1936, with production beginning in 1937. Over 12,700 B-17s were eventually built, making it one of the most mass-produced bombers of WWII.
Design and Features
- Armament: The B-17 was heavily armed, earning it the nickname "Flying Fortress." It typically carried up to 13 .50 caliber machine guns for defense, with later models also equipped with chin turrets.
- Payload: It could carry up to 17,600 pounds of bombs, although typical missions involved a payload of about 4,000 to 8,000 pounds.
- Range: With a range of over 2,000 miles, it could reach targets deep inside Nazi Germany when flying from bases in England.
- Crew: The aircraft required a crew of 10, including pilots, navigators, bombardiers, and gunners.
Operational History
Legacy
- Survivors: Several B-17s have been preserved and are still flown at air shows, with the National Museum of the USAF in Ohio housing the largest collection.
- Impact: The B-17's strategic bombing capability helped shift the tide of the war in favor of the Allies by targeting industrial and military infrastructure in Europe.
- Memorials: There are various memorials and museums dedicated to the B-17, like the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Georgia, USA.
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