The story
The Flying Fortress dropped over 640,000 tons of bombs on Nazi Germany and occupied Europe, more than 40 percent of the Allied total, and earned its real reputation by coming home full of holes. Crews trusted the Fort to absorb damage that should have been fatal and still make England. Of 12,731 built, about 50 survive, and only a handful still fly.
Of the roughly 1.5 million tons of bombs Allied aircraft dropped on Nazi Germany and its occupied territories, over 640,000 tons fell from B-17s.
Quick answers
How do you identify a B-17 Flying Fortress?
Four radial engines, one huge rounded tail fin with a long dorsal fillet, and the ball turret under the belly. Single tail separates it instantly from the twin-tailed B-24.
What does a B-17 Flying Fortress sound like?
Four Wright Cyclone radials in harmony — a deep, synchronized drone that fills the whole sky.
How fast is the B-17 Flying Fortress?
Top speed is 256 kts.
How many people does the B-17 Flying Fortress carry?
Typical configuration: Crew of 10.
How far can the B-17 Flying Fortress fly?
Range is about 1,738 nmi.
How big is the B-17 Flying Fortress?
It is 74 ft 4 in long and 103 ft 9 in across the wings.
When did the B-17 Flying Fortress first fly?
Its first flight was in 1935.
How many B-17 Flying Fortresss have been built?
12,731 built.
What do crews call the B-17 Flying Fortress?
The Fort.
How rare is a B-17 Flying Fortress in Bogey?
LEGENDARY. The top tier. Spotters plan trips around a catch like this. Your first B-17 Flying Fortress catch is worth 1,000 points.
