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Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

The B-17 Flying Fortress was a legendary heavy bomber used primarily by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. Known for its ruggedness, firepower, and ability to sustain heavy damage, the B-17 played a crucial role in Allied bombing campaigns against Nazi Germany and other Axis powers.

Description

The B-17 Flying Fortress was a four-engine, high-wing monoplane bomber with a distinctive fuselage design that included multiple gun positions for defense. It had a crew of 10, including pilot, co-pilot, navigator, bombardier, flight engineer/top turret gunner, radio operator, waist gunners (2), ball turret gunner, and tail gunner. The aircraft was well-armed, featuring up to 13 Browning M2 .50 caliber machine guns positioned throughout the aircraft to defend against enemy fighters.

Specifications

General Characteristics:

Crew: 10 (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, bombardier, flight engineer/top turret gunner, radio operator, waist gunners x2, ball turret gunner, tail gunner)
Length: 74 ft 4 in (22.66 m)
Wingspan: 103 ft 9 in (31.62 m)
Height: 19 ft 1 in (5.82 m)
Wing Area: 1,420 sq ft (131.92 m²)
Empty Weight: 36,135 lb (16,391 kg)
Loaded Weight: 54,000 lb (24,500 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight: 65,000 lb (29,500 kg)

Powerplant:

Engines: 4 × Wright R-1820-97 Cyclone turbosupercharged radial engines
Power Output: 1,200 hp (895 kW) each

Performance:

Maximum Speed: 287 mph (462 km/h) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Cruise Speed: 182 mph (293 km/h)
Range: 2,000 mi (3,219 km) with maximum bomb load
Service Ceiling: 35,600 ft (10,850 m)
Rate of Climb: 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s)

Armament:

Guns:
- 13 × Browning M2 .50 caliber machine guns in various positions (nose, tail, dorsal, ventral, waist, and cheek)
Bombs:
- Up to 17,600 lbs (7,983 kg) of bombs internally, or externally with modifications

Avionics:

Radio: Various radio sets depending on mission and theater

Operational History

The B-17 Flying Fortress entered service in 1938 and quickly became a symbol of American air power during World War II. It was used extensively in daylight bombing raids over Europe, aiming to cripple German war production and infrastructure. Despite its initial lack of long-range fighter escort, the B-17 and its crews earned a reputation for resilience, with many aircraft returning home despite severe battle damage.

The B-17 also saw service in the Pacific Theater, where it conducted long-range bombing missions against Japanese targets. Over 12,700 B-17s were produced during the war, serving with the USAAF and other Allied air forces. Post-war, some B-17s continued in military service for a time, while others were converted for civilian use as cargo or passenger aircraft.

Overall, the B-17 Flying Fortress's durability, heavy armament, and role in strategic bombing campaigns make it one of the most iconic and respected aircraft of World War II, symbolizing the bravery and sacrifice of its crews in the fight against Axis forces.

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

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