With all the hype around the new series ‘Masters of the air’ centered around the 100th Bomb Group, let’s take a closer look to the airplane used by them, the unforgettable B-17 Flying Fortress.
The B-17 Flying Fortress is more than just a World War II aircraft: it’s a symbol of American resilience and innovation. This four-engined heavy bomber, developed in the 1930s by Boeing, became a workhorse for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during the war. The B-17 earned its nickname “Flying Fortress” for a reason. Bristling with up to thirteen machine guns, strategically placed in turrets around the aircraft, it presented a formidable defensive wall against enemy fighters. This firepower was crucial as B-17s spearheaded daring daylight strategic bombing campaigns over occupied Europe. Imagine these lumbering giants, bristling with guns, bravely venturing deep into enemy territory, facing not only enemy fighters but also the deadly flak and the explosions of anti-aircraft artillery.
But the B-17 wasn’t just about brute force. Its design was a marvel of engineering for its time. The use of aluminum kept the weight down, allowing for impressive high-altitude performance. This capability offered a critical advantage – it placed the B-17 out of reach of many German fighters in the early years of the war. The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress dropped more bombs than any other US aircraft in the Second World War. A lot of these aircraft flew out of bases in England, as part of the USAAF’s daylight strategic bombing campaign, alongside the B-24. The B-17 was known as a hardy, reliable aircraft, yet in the first year of their campaign over Germany, only 36% completed their required tour of 25 missions.
It was first introduced in service in April 1938 and, over the years, had multiple variations, most of them being either B-17F (3405 units) or B-17G (8680 units) and were built by Boeing in Seattle and by Lockheed and Douglas Aircraft in California. The airplane service ceiling of 25.000 to 35.000 ft (7.500 to 10.500 m) -depending on the bomb load- put it above the worst of the German antiaircraft artillery. At first, the aircraft started to fly alone over the occupied Europe, but soon it was proved that they were unable to fight their way unescorted to targets deep inside the continent.
They also served a crucial role during D-Day as they were capable to carry 3600 kg of bombs for shorter distances at lower altitudes and this was an important factor during the “carpet bombing” raids supporting the Allied breakout into France.
B-17 was powered by 4 Wright R-1820-97 turbosupercharged radial engines that had 1000hp each. The flying fortress had a length of 23 meters, wingspan of 32m and the maximum loaded weight was 24.500 kg. With a cruise speed of 292km/h and a max speed of 462 km/h it could fly around 3200km while its ceiling was 10.850m.
The Baptism of Fire: The 100th Bomb Group
The B-17’s legend was forged in the fires of some of the most intense air battles of World War II. One group, in particular, became synonymous with the perilous missions undertaken by the Eighth Air Force – the 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy), also known as the “Bloody 100th.” Formed in England in 1942, the 100th quickly found itself thrust into the heart of the daylight bombing campaign. Their baptism by fire came during a raid on Schweinfurt, Germany, in August 1943. This mission, aimed at crippling German ball bearing production, proved to be a turning point. Flying in tight formations, the B-17s of the Mighty Eighth, including those of the 100th, faced a gauntlet of flak and German fighters. Losses were devastating.
The 100th persevered, however, continuing to fly missions over targets like Berlin, Hamburg, and ball bearing factories crucial to the German war machine. The courage and resilience of these crews, facing constant danger and heavy losses, became emblematic of the entire Eighth Air Force.
Legendary B-17:
One of the most amazing facts about this aircraft is that despite its size, it could fly with only one engine as proved by officer Robert Rosenthal. His aircraft was B-17F 42-6087 ‘Royal Flush’ and it was the lone surviving 100th BG B-17 of October 10th 1943 raid against Munster to return to unit’s base at RAF Thrope Abbotts.
Another incredible event was the returning to the base of the ‘All American’ B-17F-5-BO, serial number 41-24406 of the 97th Bombardment Group, 414th Bombardment Squadron. This aircraft collided with a Bf-109 after droping the bombs in Tunisia on german positions. The fighter’s wing collided with the top rear fuselage of the All American, almost cleaving the bomber’s tail section off, leaving a large diagonal gash from the base of the All American’s vertical stabilizer and severing the left horizontal stabilizer from the plane. Metal in the airframe near the right tailplane was the only thing keeping the tail section, housing the rear gunner, attached to the aircraft. Even though the control cables were severed, the crew was able to continue to fly the aircraft by using the autopilot system for the Norden bombsight, as it employed electric wires connecting to electric motor servos mounted next to the rudder and elevator. The aircraft was the subject of what has been called one of the most famous photographs of World War II.
A Legacy that Soars On:
The B-17 Flying Fortress, with its innovative design and the bravery of its crews, played a pivotal role in World War II. The story of the 100th Bomb Group serves as a stark reminder of the immense sacrifices made by those who flew these magnificent machines. Today, a handful of restored B-17s still take to the skies, a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic aircraft and the men who dared to take it into battle. One of these aircraft is Sally B, located in UK and you can see it across Europe at airshows.