{"id":225,"date":"2013-09-16T11:21:47","date_gmt":"2013-09-16T15:21:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fantasyofflight.com\/collection\/?page_id=225"},"modified":"2020-11-12T12:33:42","modified_gmt":"2020-11-12T17:33:42","slug":"1945-boeing-b-17-flying-fortress","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.fantasyofflight.com\/collection\/aircraft\/currently-not-showing-in-museum\/wwii\/1945-boeing-b-17-flying-fortress\/","title":{"rendered":"1945 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress"},"content":{"rendered":"

Designed in 1934, the Boeing B-17 was the first bomber to use four engines. When the first prototype rolled out in 1935, one newsman\u2014seeing all of the guns protruding from everywhere\u2014called it a \u201cFlying Fortress.\u201d The name forever stuck.<\/p>\n

In the earliest days of the war, the long distance bombers flew steadfast to their targets, even when their fighter defense had to turn back for fuel, which required the bombers to operate in tight formation for protection\u2014and resulted in a loss rate up to 25%. Even so, enemy fighters attacked the legendarily durable B-17 knowing that thirteen .50 caliber guns awaited them.<\/p>\n

Eventually, the development of the long-range P-51 Mustang granted the Flying Fortress a mean escort at its side, allowing the bombers to deliver their payloads with greater safety to the crews and truly turn the tide of the war in Europe. This famous aircraft has justifiably achieved its enduring mythical status as a tough bird that couldn\u2019t be beat.<\/p>\n

On display courtesy of the World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection<\/strong><\/p>\n

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