Fibal Cut The Post War B-17 Flying Fortress
Author: Scott Thompson
Publisher: Pictorial History MO
Edition: First
Cover: Soft
ISBN: 0-929521-32-3
Bomb
Synopsis: Scott Thompson's specialized study examines the postwar history and civilian use of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, documenting how these legendary wartime bombers were adapted for peacetime roles and their continued influence on aviation development. This comprehensive account traces the transition of surplus B-17s from military service to various civilian applications, including cargo transport, firefighting, survey work, and experimental programs that contributed to aviation progress. Thompson provides detailed coverage of the technical modifications required to adapt military aircraft for civilian use, including changes to equipment, instrumentation, and structural modifications that enabled B-17s to serve effectively in new roles. Through extensive research and interviews with postwar operators, the author documents the challenges and achievements of maintaining and operating complex military aircraft in civilian environments with limited support infrastructure. The narrative examines the various postwar applications of B-17 aircraft, including their use in cargo operations, aerial surveying, weather research, and specialized missions that utilized the aircraft's exceptional range and reliability. Personal accounts from postwar pilots and operators reveal the unique characteristics that made the Flying Fortress suitable for diverse civilian applications while also documenting the challenges of maintaining aging military aircraft. The book provides technical analysis of B-17 performance in civilian roles and the innovations developed to maximize aircraft utility and safety in peacetime operations. Statistical documentation of postwar B-17 operations illustrates the aircraft's continued effectiveness and the economic viability of military surplus aircraft in civilian markets. The narrative also explores the cultural significance of the B-17 in American aviation history and its role in preserving wartime memory through continued operation and public display. Contemporary photographs and technical documentation enhance understanding of postwar modifications while providing visual record of B-17 operations in various civilian roles. The author examines the challenges of preserving and maintaining historic aircraft for future generations while balancing operational requirements with historical accuracy and safety considerations. Technical discussions of maintenance procedures, parts availability, and operational limitations provide insights into the practical challenges of operating vintage military aircraft in modern aviation environments. This specialized study serves as both a technical reference and a cultural history, documenting how legendary wartime aircraft continued to serve useful purposes in peacetime while preserving important connections to aviation heritage. The comprehensive coverage of postwar B-17 operations makes this work valuable for both aviation enthusiasts and historians interested in understanding the complete life cycle of significant military aircraft and their transition to civilian use after their wartime service concluded.
Fibal Cut The Post War B-17 Flying Fortress, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.
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