| General
History
Designed
in 1934, the B-17 was the first bomber to utilize 4 engines.
When the first prototype rolled out in 1935, one newsman,
seeing all of the guns protruding from everywhere, called
it a “Flying Fortress”. The name forever stuck.
With the United
States entry into World War II, the B-17 played a vital
role in the bombardment of Germany. From American bases
in England, daylight raids using over a thousand aircraft
were staged. Early in the War, bomber crews did not have
fighter protection deep into Germany. They had to rely
on each other by flying in tight formations for protection.
Any enemy fighter attacking did so knowing that there
were thirteen .50 caliber machine guns waiting for him
on each bomber. With a crew of 10, the B-17 was noted
for its strength and durability, and brought many a bomber
crew home safely in an airplane with unbelievable damage.
To
learn about the personal history of our very own Boeing
B-17 "Flying Fortress" as well as comments from
Kermit Weeks, please visit our beautiful art deco facility
and old-fashioned hangars.
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Current Value:
$1,000,000
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