The B-17 Flying Fortress was a four-engine heavy bomber developed by Boeing and widely used by the United States during World War II. Introduced in the late 1930s, it became one of the most iconic aircraft of the war due to its role in strategic bombing campaigns, particularly over Europe. The B-17 was designed to carry a large bomb load over long distances while offering robust defenses against enemy fighters, which earned it the “Flying Fortress” nickname. Its durability and ability to absorb significant damage and still complete its mission contributed to its legendary status.
B-17 Characteristics
| Crew members | Pilot, co-pilot, navigator, bombardier/nose gunner, flight engineer/top turret gunner, radio operator, waist gunners (2), ball turret gunner, and tail gunner. |
| Length | 74 ft 4 in (22.66 m) |
| Wingspan | 103 ft 9 in (31.62 m) |
| Height | 19 ft 1 in (5.82 m) |
| Wing area | 1,420 sq ft (131.92 m2) |
| Empty weight | 36,135 lb (16,391 kg) |
| Gross weight | 54,000 lb (24,500 kg) |
| Max takeoff weight | 65,500 lb (29,700 kg) |
| Powerplant | 4 × Wright R-1820-97 “Cyclone” turbo supercharged radial engines, 1,200 hp (895 kW) each |
| Propellers | 3-bladed Hamilton-Standard constant-speed propeller |
B-17 Performance
| Maximum speed | 287 mph (462 km/h, 249 kn) |
| Cruise speed | 182 mph (293 km/h, 158 kn) |
| Range | 2,000 mi (3,219 km, 1,738 nmi) with 6,000 lb (2,700 kg) bombload |
| Service ceiling | 35,600 ft (10,850 m) |
| Rate of climb | 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s) |
| Wing loading | 38.0 lb/sq ft (185.7 kg/m2) |
| Power/mass | 0.089 hp/lb (150 W/kg) |
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_B-17_Flying_Fortress
The B-17 had a wingspan of 103 feet and could carry up to 8,000 pounds of bombs. It was heavily armed with up to 13 .50 caliber machine guns positioned at various points across the fuselage, allowing it to defend itself against enemy interceptors. The B-17 was also known for its distinctive and easy to identify design, including its large tail section and broad wings. Its pressurized cabin allowed the crew to operate at high altitudes, giving it an advantage over enemy fighters while conducting daylight precision bombing raids.
Despite its success, the B-17 was not without its operational challenges. Early missions were devastatingly costly due to the lack of long-range fighter escorts and strong enemy defenses. Over time, as more advanced tactics and fighter escorts were introduced, the bomber’s effectiveness increased. By the end of the war, over 12,700 B-17s had been produced, making it one of the most important aircraft in the U.S. arsenal during the conflict. The B-17’s legacy lives on as a symbol of American resilience and the strategic power of aerial bombardment. Thousands of American airmen like the Joe Noyes Crew flew countless missions over Europe in a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress while serving in the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
