Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Technical Information

Background
These rugged bombers had earned the affection of their ten man crews for always bringing them home. The B-17 was synonymous with the early Pacific War, with the famous flight of B-17s that arrived over Oahu during the Japanese surprise attack of December 7, 1941. Also, for the destruction of many B-17s on the ground at Clark Field. The 19th Bomb Group flew Flying Fortresses huge distances at great odds from bases in the Philippines, Java and Australia during the early days of the war. By the middle of 1943, the Pacific B-17s were were replaced by the B-24 Liberator which was faster, had a longer range and could carry a larger bomb load. A few B-17s remained in use as personal transports and as armed transports. A few "G" models served in non-combat duties including late in the war.

B-17D
A total of forty-two were built during 1940 to early 1941.

B-17E
During the autum of 1940, the U. S. government ordered 512 B-17E Flying Fortresses under contract W-535 ac-15677. Built by Boeing at Seattle between September 5, 1941 to May 26, 1942.

Technical Details
Crew  10 (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, bombardier, radio, engineer, ball gunner, left waist gunner, right waist gunner, tail gunner)
Engine  4 x Wright R-1820 cyclone radial engine driving a three bladed propeller
Span  103' 10"
Length  74' 4"
Height  19' 1"
Cruise Speed  170 mph
Range  1,850 miles
Armament  10 - 12 x .50 caliber machine guns
Bomb Load  6,400 lbs

Last Updated
July 13, 2017