BLUF

Developed in the mid-1930s, the Boeing B-17 outperformed earlier U.S. Army bombers. A reporter named it a "15-ton flying fortress" for its 13 machine guns.

Summary

KEY POINTS.
  1. Boeing's B-17 "Flying Fortress" debuted in the mid-1930s with advanced capabilities.
  2. Designed to replace Martin B-10, the B-17 had four engines and a 6,000lb payload.
  3. Despite its firepower, B-17s faced challenges like the “Black Thursday” raid in Germany.
  4. The P-51 Mustang escorted B-17s, and provided effective protection during that latter stages of the War.
READ: The B-17 Flying Fortress: The Bomber That Won World War II?

References