Author:
Author Signed: N
Publisher: Profile Publications England
Edition:
Cover: S
ISBN:
Synopsis: This definitive study examines the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, the most famous and numerous variant of America's legendary heavy bomber that played a crucial role in the Allied victory in World War II. The book traces the evolution from earlier B-17 models to the G-variant, which incorporated all lessons learned from combat experience over Europe and the Pacific. The B-17G represented the culmination of American strategic bombing philosophy, combining heavy defensive armament, robust construction, and precision bombing capability in a package that could survive the most heavily defended targets. The publication details the aircraft's distinctive features including the chin turret that provided crucial frontal defense, improved oxygen systems for high-altitude operations, and enhanced armor protection for crew members. Technical analysis reveals the engineering excellence that enabled the B-17G to absorb tremendous battle damage while continuing its mission, earning legendary status among aircrew members. The book chronicles the aircraft's pivotal role in the Combined Bomber Offensive against Nazi Germany, where formations of Flying Fortresses conducted daylight precision bombing missions against strategic targets. Combat accounts from crew members provide vivid descriptions of missions over heavily defended German territory, highlighting the courage required for such dangerous operations. The publication examines the aircraft's sophisticated defensive armament system and the tactics developed to maximize its effectiveness against fighter attacks. Performance data demonstrates the B-17G's impressive bomb-carrying capacity and operational altitude that made it such an effective strategic weapon. The book also covers the aircraft's service in other theaters including the Pacific, Mediterranean, and with Allied air forces. Production statistics reveal the massive industrial effort required to build over 8,000 B-17G aircraft in less than three years. Personal stories from pilots, bombardiers, navigators, and gunners illuminate the human drama of strategic bombing operations. The publication includes detailed technical specifications, mission profiles, and squadron histories. This Profile Publication stands as a comprehensive tribute to an aircraft that helped reshape the nature of warfare through strategic air power.
205 Boeing B-17G, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.
Do you have WWII memorabilia that you are not sure what to do with it? The children don't want it? Then let us help you preserve this history by donating these items to the Army Air Corps Library and Museum. We are accepting donations in the form of uniforms, medals, ribbons, patches, photos, memorabilia, papers, gear and equipment. We also accept monetary donations to support our operations and long term plans. This website is part of the Army Air Corps Library and Museum, and as a 501(c)(3) Non-profit, your qualifying donations are tax deductible.
Read about how we need your support and use donations.
Historical Artifacts: We are looking for photos, documents and other types of artifacts including uniforms, medals, insignia, gear, manuals, and training material. We accept electronic/scans or originals of pictures and paper records. A General Order could be an award document that contains information on many servicemen. Special Orders may contain transfers or other information. Flight records, accident reports, maintenance logs, after action reports, pilot encounter reports, diaries and biorgraphies; all of these types of documents help us support or mission: preserving your history! Contact us today for instructions on sending us this material. Contact Today
Are you an AAC, AAF or USAF Veteran, family member, historian or WW2 enthusiast? We Need YOU! Contact us today to see how you can help the Army Air Corps Library and Museum, a Texas Not-For-Profit Corporation. We need your help! We are looking for volunteers that can help us with the following tasks. Typing and Transcriptionists: One of our big projects is extracting data from the thousands of documents we have and putting this data into a database where we can display the information on a website such as this one. We also need assistance with retyping unit history documents.