Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

The Boeing B‑17 Flying Fortress is a four‑engine heavy bomber that defined American air power during World II. Developed from the Model 299 prototype, it first flew in 1935 and entered service in 1938, quickly becoming the centerpiece of the United States Army Air Forces’ strategic bombing campaign over Europe. Over 12,000 units were built, a testament to its durable all‑metal construction, self‑sealing fuel tanks, and extensive defensive armament of up to thirteen .50‑caliber machine guns. Its rugged design allowed it to absorb severe battle damage and still return to base, a capability epitomized by the famous “just one more mission” ethos of its crews. Powered by four Wright R‑1820 Cyclone radials, the B‑17 could carry a 4,800‑pound bomb load to targets at altitudes of 25,000 feet, where its high‑altitude performance and stable flight characteristics facilitated precision bombing. The aircraft’s legacy endures through its influence on post‑war bomber concepts, its iconic status in popular culture, and the continued operation of restored examples at aviation museums, where it remains a vivid reminder of the era’s technological and tactical evolution. Its silhouette still inspires generations of aviators worldwide.

Boeing

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

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