Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

Aircraft family

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was an American four-engine heavy bomber that became one of the defining aircraft of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. [1]

Aircraft family

The B-17 prototype first flew in 1935. Although relatively few aircraft were in service when the United States entered the war in 1941, production expanded substantially as Boeing, Lockheed-Vega and Douglas built the bomber in large numbers. [1]

Aircraft family

The B-17 was designed around high-altitude performance, speed and extensive defensive armament. Its turbosupercharged engines supported high-altitude bombing operations, while powered turrets and flexible gun positions helped defend against attacking aircraft. [1]

Aircraft family

These characteristics reflected the operational demands placed on American heavy bombers during World War II. [1]

Aircraft family

The B-17 operated in every major combat zone during World War II, although its most significant service was in Europe. Alongside the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, it formed a central part of the United States Army Air Forces' strategic bombing campaign against Germany. [1]

Aircraft family

B-17 crews undertook demanding missions against heavily defended industrial and military targets. [1]

Variant: B-17F and B-17G

The B-17F was the principal heavy bomber version used during the early phase of the American strategic bombing campaign. The later B-17G introduced improved frontal defensive armament, including a nose turret, and became the most numerous B-17 variant. [1]

Individual aircraft: B-17F Memphis Belle · This preserved aircraft is not representative of every B-17's operational history.

The museum's B-17F Memphis Belle became famous for completing 25 combat missions over Europe before returning to the United States. It is a specific preserved aircraft and should not be treated as representative of every B-17's operational history. [1]