77 Boeing B-17E & F

Author:
Publisher: Profile Publications England
Cover: Soft
Profile

More Reference Books

Synopsis: The Boeing B-17E and F Flying Fortress variants represent the maturation of America's legendary heavy bomber, evolving from pre-war concepts into the backbone of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign over Europe. This comprehensive profile examines the development progression from the B-17E's introduction of tail gunner position and improved defensive armament to the B-17F's enhanced engines and structural modifications that established the definitive Flying Fortress configuration. The book details Boeing's systematic approach to incorporating combat lessons learned during early operations, resulting in aircraft capable of surviving tremendous battle damage while maintaining formation integrity during daylight precision bombing missions. Technical analysis reveals the B-17F's impressive specifications: four Wright R-1820-97 Cyclone engines producing 1,200 horsepower each, maximum speed of 299 mph at 25,000 feet, service ceiling of 37,500 feet, and maximum range of 3,750 miles with reduced bomb load. The profile examines the aircraft's defensive armament evolution, with the B-17F featuring thirteen .50 caliber Browning machine guns strategically positioned to provide overlapping fields of fire against fighter attacks. Structural improvements included enlarged tail surfaces for better stability, increased fuel capacity, and strengthened landing gear to handle higher operational weights up to 65,500 pounds. Operational history covers the B-17F's combat debut with the Eighth Air Force in mid-1942, participating in the development of daylight precision bombing doctrine that became central to Allied strategy. The book examines major operations including the first raids on German targets, the costly Schweinfurt-Regensburg missions, and the gradual expansion of bombing operations deeper into occupied Europe. Combat accounts detail the challenges of flying unescorted missions through heavily defended airspace, analyzing formation tactics, defensive procedures, and the devastating effectiveness of German fighter attacks before long-range escort fighters became available. The profile includes detailed coverage of crew experiences during 25-mission tours, survival rates, and the psychological demands of repeated combat operations over defended targets. Technical sections analyze bomb load configurations ranging from sixteen 500-pound general purpose bombs to specialized loads including incendiary clusters and precision munitions for specific targets. The book covers manufacturing details across multiple contractors including Boeing, Douglas, and Lockheed-Vega, with total B-17F production reaching 3,405 aircraft. Notable aircraft and crews featured include "Memphis Belle," the first Eighth Air Force bomber to complete 25 missions, and "Hell's Angels," which flew more combat missions than any other B-17. The comprehensive analysis includes maintenance procedures, modification programs, and the development of combat tactics that evolved throughout the strategic bombing campaign, making this profile essential for understanding the Flying Fortress's pivotal role in Allied victory.

77 Boeing B-17E & F, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.