How many B-17 bombers are still flying?
The current total of surviving B-17 bombers located in the United States stands at 40: Nine (9) B-17 planes are airworthy, such as “Texas Raiders”, “Sentimental Journey” and “Aluminum Overcast”.
How much would a B-17 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) |
Is the B-17 hard to fly?
The rugged B-17s would often return with many of their working parts shot up, but the Flying Fortress earned its reputation as one of the toughest planes to fly in World War II.
What was the life expectancy of a b17 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.
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.
How many crew members does a b17 have?
It was operated by a crew of 10, including the pilot, copilot, navigator-radioman, bombardier, and gunners.
Who found the Swamp Ghost?
That, however, is exactly what was discovered there in 1972 by members of the Australian Air Force. The bomber was a B-17E Flying Fortress, a four-engine heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force.
What was the name of the B 17 bomber?
4th of February, 1944, Boeing B-17F-90-BO Flying Fortress, 42-30188, “Temptation” of the 413th Bomb Squadron, 96th Bomb Group, during take off for a mission, suffers runaways on Nos. 1 and 2 propellers.
When was the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress created?
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engined heavy bomber developed in the 1930s for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC). Competing against Douglas and Martin for a contract to build 200 bombers, the Boeing entry (prototype Model 299/XB-17) outperformed both competitors and exceeded the air corps’ performance specifications.
How many b 17’s made it back to base?
The B-17 Flying Fortress was famous for being able to take a lot of damage and still make it back to base. We have collected some incredible images of damaged B-17 Flying Fortresses that made it home. During WWII 12,732 B-17’s were produced between 1935 and May 1945. Of these 4,735 were lost in combat, a staggering 37 percent.
How many b 17’s were lost in WW2?
We have collected some incredible images of damaged B-17 Flying Fortresses that made it home. During WWII 12,732 B-17’s were produced between 1935 and May 1945. Of these 4,735 were lost in combat, a staggering 37 percent. Each image could and should be an article in itself, and wherever possible we’ve added some descriptive text.