The
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a WWII bomber. It was an
aircraft to the Eight Air Force and saw most missions in Europe,
originated from bases in England. The B-17 has long-range
capability and the missions often lasted more than eight hours. These missions
mostly included destroying targets deep in enemy territory. They
often flew into battle with no fighter escort, having to fend off
the enemy using its own defensive capabilities to protect the crew
and have a successful mission.
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| In
a 10 year span, about 12,732 B-17s were produced. About 4,735 of these aircraft were lost during combat missions. Today,
there are only about 100 B-17s in existence, with a lesser amount
in airworthy condition. |
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| The
B-17 contains four 1200 horsepower Wright Cyclone Model R-1820-97
engines. The props are three-bladed Hamilton Standard
propellers. They are 11 feet, 7 inches in diameter. |
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| The
B-17 contains 13 .50 caliber machine guns. They
are located in the chin, top, ball and tail turrets, and waist and
cheek guns. The B-17 earned great respect from everyone. Air crews
really liked the B-17 for its ability to withstand a lot of damage
and still return home safely with its crew. |
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Specifications:
- Designed by: Boeing Company
- Delivery Date: May 18, 1945
- Crew: 10 total-pilot, copilot, navigator, bombardier, flight engineer,
radio operator, 2 waist gunners, tail gunner and ball turret gunner
- Weight: Empty Weight-34,000 lbs
- Fuel Capacity: 1,700 gal
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