Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

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One of the most well-known bombers of all time, the B-17 Flying Fortress became famous in the long daylight bombing raids over Europe in W.W.II. While it lacked the range, bomb load, and ceiling of its contemporary the B-24 Liberator, the B-17 became the more famous of the two due to the many tales of B-17s bringing their crews back home despite heavy damage. With up to thirteen machine guns, the B-17 seemed to be a genuine flying "fortress in the sky". However, bomber losses reached the unacceptable point in 1943 in the face of stiff German opposition, and the B-17s had to wait until the introduction of long-range fighter escort before they could continue their war against the Reich.

Type: Heavy bomber

Crew: 10: Pilot, Copilot, Engineer, Bombardier, Radioman, 5 Gunners

Armament: Thirteen .50 cal machine guns (G model)

up to 17,600 lb.. of bombs

Specifications:

Length: 74' 4" (22.66 m)

Height: 19' 1" (5.82 m)

Wingspan: 103' 10" (31.65 m)

Weight: 55000.0 LB

Propulsion:

Engines: 4

Power plant: Wright R-1820 Cyclone

Horsepower: 1200 hp each

Performance:

Range: 1850 miles (2979 km)

Speed: 300 mph (483 km/h)

Ceiling: 35000 ft (10667 m)

Click here for more pictures of the B-17.


	Classic Combat Aircraft \| home Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress One of the most well-known bombers of all time, the B-17 Flying Fortress became famous in the long daylight bombing raids over Europe in W.W.II. While it lacked the range, bomb load, and ceiling of its contemporary the B-24 Liberator, the B-17 became the more famous of the two due to the many tales of B-17s bringing their crews back home despite heavy damage. With up to thirteen machine guns, the B-17 seemed to be a genuine flying "fortress in the sky". However, bomber losses reached the unacceptable point in 1943 in the face of stiff German opposition, and the B-17s had to wait until the introduction of long-range fighter escort before they could continue their war against the Reich. Type: Heavy bomber Crew: 10: Pilot, Copilot, Engineer, Bombardier, Radioman, 5 Gunners Armament: Thirteen .50 cal machine guns (G model) up to 17,600 lb.. of bombs Specifications: Length: 74' 4" (22.66 m) Height: 19' 1" (5.82 m) Wingspan: 103' 10" (31.65 m) Weight: 55000.0 LB Propulsion: Engines: 4 Power plant: Wright R-1820 Cyclone Horsepower: 1200 hp each Performance: Range: 1850 miles (2979 km) Speed: 300 mph (483 km/h) Ceiling: 35000 ft (10667 m) Click here for more pictures of the B-17.