What did the B-17 do in World War 2?
Developed by the Boeing Company in the 1930s, the B-17 was a four‑engine heavy bomber aircraft used by the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. It was a very effective weapons system, dropping more bombs during the war than any other American aircraft.
How many B-17s were shot down during the Second World War?
In addition, air crews liked the B-17 for its ability to withstand heavy combat damage and still return its crew safely home. Between 1935 and May 1945, 12,732 B-17s were produced. Of these aircraft, 4,735 were lost during combat missions. At one time, more than 1,000 B-17s could be assembled for mass combat missions.
What was the worst bomber in ww2?
The Heinkel He 177 Greif (Griffin) was a long-range heavy bomber flown by the Luftwaffe during World War II. The introduction of the He 177 to combat operations was significantly delayed, by both problems with the development of its engines, and frequent changes to its intended role.
Why was the B-17 created?
B-17, also called Flying Fortress, U.S. heavy bomber used during World War II. The B-17 was designed by the Boeing Aircraft Company in response to a 1934 Army Air Corps specification that called for a four-engined bomber at a time when two engines were the norm.
How much ammo did a B-17 carry?
Additional armament included an additional dorsal turret in the radio room, a remotely operated and fired Bendix-built “chin turret” directly below the bombardier’s accommodation, and twin .50 in (12.7 mm) guns in each of the waist positions. The ammunition load was over 11,000 rounds.
What was the life expectancy of a B-17 crew?
Nothing in the peacetime lives of thousands of young Americans had prepared them for the violence that lay ahead. Although such statistics were not circulated among Army Air Forces crews, the average life expectancy of an Eighth Air Force B-17 in late 1943 was 11 missions.
How much ammo did a b17 carry?
What was the life expectancy of a ww2 bomber crew?
It had a crew of seven from the pilot to the gunners. Everyone had to play their part to stay alive. The Lancaster was one of the most dangerous places to be in the entire war – the life expectancy of a new recruit was just two weeks.
Why was the B 24 called the flying coffin?
Officially designated the “Liberator,” the square shaped B-24 could easily turn into a death trap. It was hard to fly with its stiff and heavy controls, and so earned its name by its crews as the “Flying Coffin.”
Which WW2 bomber had the heaviest bomb load?
The Avro Lancaster, viewed as the best WWII heavy bomber, could carry up to 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg) of bombs. A modified version could take on the heaviest bomb ever produced for Bomber Command, the 22,000-pound (10,000-kg) “Grand Slam”.
How did the B-17 get to England?
The aircraft purchased in the United States by Britain were flown to airports in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, partially dis-assembled and loaded on ships and transported to England where they were unloaded and re-assembled, a process that could take several weeks, not counting repairing any damage to the aircraft …
How much did a b17 cost?
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
| B-17 Flying Fortress | |
|---|---|
| Primary users | United States Army Air Forces Royal Air Force |
| Produced | 1936–1945 |
| Number built | 12,731 |
| Unit cost | US$238,329 (1945) US$2.6 million (in 2016 dollars) |
What was the best bomber aircraft of World War 2?
7 Key Heavy Bomber Aircraft of World War Two Heinkel He 177. A Heinkel He 177 being loaded with bombs in 1944. Vickers Wellington. A ‘cookie’ or ‘blockbuster’, at 4000 lb the largest of the RAF’s convential bombs, being loaded into a Vickers Wellington, May 1942. Short Stirling. Handley Page Halifax. Avro Lancaster. Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. Consolidated B-24 Liberator.
Who was the youngest pilot of a B17?
Charles Harra (1924 – 2014), youngest B-17 command pilot (35 missions), encountered a “ghost plane” over Germany and later witnessed flying saucers (along with hundreds of others) at a bullfight in Mexico.
How many bombs were on the B-17?
A B-17 carried four such bombs with tiny igniter units fitted to each tank. Fragmentation Bombs Used as anti-personnel bombs during ground force support attacks, these 20lb M41’s were fitted in 120lb and 500lb clusters.
What was the biggest bomber in World War 2?
The biggest, fastest, highest flying bomber of World War II the B-29 was the first strategic bomber to have pressurized crew compartments and remote control gun turrets. B-29’s were the world’s first nuclear bombers and dropped the only 2 nuclear bombs used in combat.