B17s

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, commonly called B-17s, is a four-engine heavy bomber developed for the United States Army Air Corps in the 1930s. It became one of the best-known Allied bombers of World War II, valued for its range, payload, and ability to sustain significant battle damage.

Development began in the mid-1930s, with the first flight in 1935 and service entry in 1938. Production approached 12,700 aircraft across Boeing, Douglas, and Vega, making it one of the era’s most produced bombers. It served primarily with the U.S. Army Air Forces in the European and Mediterranean theaters, with some use in the Pacific.

The B-17 is a four-engine, high-wing aircraft with a robust airframe and a spacious bomb bay. It carried a defensive armament of multiple machine guns in nose, dorsal, ventral, and tail positions, with later variants adding a chin turret. Its maximum payload was around 8,000 pounds for strategic bombing missions, and its operational range allowed deep penetration into enemy territory.

Variants ranged from B-17B through B-17G, with the G model becoming the most widely produced. The G introduced improvements such as a more capable chin turret and other armor and system upgrades, contributing to its effectiveness on long-range missions.

After World War II, B-17s remained in limited service with U.S. and allied air forces in transport or patrol roles before being retired in the late 1940s to early 1950s. Dozens survive in museums and air museums, and a few are flown at special events.