The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress flew in every combat zone during World War II, but its most significant service was over Europe. Along with the B-24 Liberator, the B-17 formed the backbone of the USAAF strategic bombing force, and it helped win the war by crippling Germany’s war industry.
The B-17’s design emphasized high altitude flight, speed, and heavy defensive armament in order to survive enemy defenses. Advanced turbosupercharged engines allowed it to fly up to about 30,000 feet with a combat load, while powered turrets and flexible guns covered all areas around the aircraft.
The B-17F was the fastest model and the primary heavy bomber early in the strategic bombing campaign. The Memphis Belle, which had been on loan from the Air Force to the city of Memphis, was relocated to the Museum in 2005, and after years of meticulous restoration, it was placed on public display in May 2018.(U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)
Date Taken: | 03.08.2022 |
Date Posted: | 02.21.2023 09:39 |
Photo ID: | 7642614 |
VIRIN: | 220308-F-AU145-1027 |
Resolution: | 5472x3648 |
Size: | 3.04 MB |
Location: | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO, US |
Web Views: | 67 |
Downloads: | 11 |
This work, Boeing B-17F Memphis Belle [Image 9 of 9], by Tyler Greenlees, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.