Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress history

In order to replace the aging Keystone American bomber, the engineers developped a new heavy bomber. The first prototype took off in July 1935. The production began a few years later, but the lack of credit were so important that only 30 aircrafts were operational in 1939 at the beginning of the Second World War in Europe.

Some units have been delivered to the Royal Air Force and it was in Europe that the B-17 made its first missions. His tremendous action range allowed it to bomb far away targets, but fighters could not escort it; poorly armed, it was an easy target for the enemy fighters.

To solve this problem and other navigation difficulties, different versions of the B-17 were manufactured. The final model, B-17 G, was designed in September 1943: it was armed with 13 machine guns at the rear, at the front, on the sides, above and below. Thus, the bomber got its nickname of "Flying Fortress".

Used on the Pacific, Europe and North-African fronts, the B-17 was involved in all major air raids of the Second World War. Many aircrafts were involved in the Battle of Normandy during the summer 1944. Different versions have been manufactured, including maritime patrol and anti-submarines models.

At the end of the war, nearly 12,700 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress were manufactured. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous bombers of the Second World War.

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress sheet

Country creator/user: USA
Name: Boeing B-17 G Flying Fortress

Length: 22,80 m
Wingspan: 31,80 m
Height: 5,80 m
Curb weight : 14,842 kg
Maximum speed: 483 km/h
Range: 2,980 kilometers
Ceiling: 10,670 m

Armament: thirteen 12,7 mm Browning machine guns

Transport : 7,985 kg of bombs

Crew: 10 (a pilot and a co-pilot, a bomber, a navigator, an engineer, a radio operator and four gunners)

Engine: four Wright GR-1820-97 with 9-star-cylinder of 1,200 hp each

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