Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

In 1934 the US Army specified a heavy bomber with up to 900 kg of bombs, more than 320 Km / h speed and up to 3000 Km range. Boeing built the Model 299, a four-engine monoplane. The prototype was destroyed on takeoff, but the USAAC went ahead with the project, ordering 13 aircraft designated YB-17. Later developments of the B-17 "Flying Fortress" included more powerful engines, increased payload and heavier armament. It first saw active service in 1941 with the RAF flying high-altitude missions.

Early models included the B-17C, some of which were fired upon by American gunners when they attempted to land at Pearl Harbor of Dec 17th 1941. The Fortress I was powered by four 1,200 hp Wright R-1820-65 engines and was armed with seven 30 caliber guns.

Among other models, Boeing built 3400 of the B-17F model and 8685 of the B-17G. At peak production, the Seattle plant rolled out 16 aircraft in 24 hours.

Boeing B17 Flying Fortress

First Flown:	July 28, 1935 (Model 299)
Span:	103 feet 9 inches [31.6m] (B-17G)
Length:	74 feet 9 inches [22.6m] (B-17G)
Gross weight:	65,000 pounds (B-17G)
Top speed:	287 mph (B-17G)
Cruising speed:	150 mph (B-17G) - later models up to 287 mph
Range:	3,750 miles (B-17G)
Ceiling:	35,600 feet (B-17G)
Power:	Four 1,200-horsepower Wright R-1820-97 engines (B-17G)
Crew of 9:	2 pilots, bombardier, radio-operator, 5 gunners (B-17G)
Armament:	11 to 13 .50 caliber machine guns, 20,000-pound bomb load [8000kg] (B-17G)

 
 
 
 

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