Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
| Boeing B-17 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Role | Bomber |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 28 July 1935 |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary user | USA |
| Number built | 12.729 |
The Boeing 17 Flying Fortress was a heavy bomber, that was used by the United States Strategic Air Force during World War II. It first flew in 1935, and was introduced in 1938. It had a shorter range, and a smaller bomb load, than its sister bomber the B-24 Liberator, but it had more defensive armament. It dropped large amounts of bombs during air raids against Germany, such as the raid on Dresden. The B-17 was also used in the Pacific, including the Battle of Midway. The flying fortress had its name for a good reason, it could survive the hits, being able to fly while under intense enemy fire. The B-17 was a heavy bomber plane that carried 2 tons of bombs. Not many B-17's survived WWII. It was the result of lots of opposition and the lack of escort by fighters. Although the Flying Fortress shot down many opposing fighters they also took a beating. Later in WWII, the U.S. increased escort fighters for the bombers giving more protection. The escort fights flew until the end of WWII.
Technical data (Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress)[change | change source]
| Data | Units |
|---|---|
| Years of production | 1935-1945 |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Wingspan | 31,62 m |
| Length | 22,66 m |
| Hight | 5,82 m |
| Wing area | 131,92 m² |
| Wight (empty) | 16.391 kg |
| Max takeoff weight | 29.710 kg |
| Crew | 9 |
| Speed | 462km/h |
| Service ceiling | 10.800 m |
| Range | 3.220 km |
| Powerplant | 4x Wright-R-1820-97 Cyclone |
| Power | 4x 895 kW (1.217 HP) |
| Weapons | 8 T bombs and 13* machine guns 12,7mm |
