The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was a four-engined heavy bomber plane used by the air forces of the United States and Britain during the Second World War (1939-45). The B-17 had unusually heavy defensive armament, 13 machine guns in total in some models. B-17s were involved in strategic bombing operations in Europe, the Pacific, and other theatres of the war.
More about: B-17 Flying Fortress9 days left
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Definition
Timeline
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Dec 1936The first production Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers are flown.
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1937The first operational Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers are flown by the US Army Air Force.
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1939 - 1945Over 12,000 B-17 Flying Fortress bombers are built during WWII.
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1941The British RAF is supplied with 20 B-17 Flying Fortress bombers.
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1941Four squadrons of B-17 bombers are sent to the Philippines where the USAF has a major air base at Clark Field on Luzon Island.
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8 Jul 1941The first B-17s to bomb a target hit Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
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17 Aug 1942The first B-17 bombers to fly US colours in Europe during WW2 attack Rouen in France.
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Mar 1944The P-51 fighter begins to escort B-17 Flying Fortress bombers over Europe.
