As our two readers already know, last weekend the Grasshopper found himself aboard the Douglas Aircraft-manufactured B-17G-85-DL, #44-83575, aka “Nine-O-Nine” (née“Lady of Yukka”--atomic test survivor/air tanker). A most wonderful experience, especially due to the fact that one of the other passengers was a WWII pilot who not only flew B-17s, but was shot down over Germany and went on to train B-29 pilots.
What readers may not know is that the Grasshopper has been a fan of the Flying Fortress for more than four decades. This goes back to watching “Twelve O’Clock High” on ABC in the mid-60s, making the models, and requesting Edward Jablonski’s excellent book as an 11th birthday present. The bomber geekdom continued to manifest itself over the years as I made pilgrimages to fly-in’s and aviation museums far and wide--from Palm Springs to Hendon in the UK .
Of course, the original “12 O’Clock” movie starring Gregory Peck was required viewing. I also sought out both the theatrical and documentary films recounting the tale of the legendary Memphis Belle. You can imagine my disappointment when I tried to visit the Belle on Mud Island and found that the plane was no longer on public display. (Happily, it was rescued by The Smithsonian and is currently being restored.)
So, as a tribute to this magnificent aircraft, TSG presents a slideshow of B-17 images for your enjoyment.
3 comments:
Great stuff, SG. Surely something to "shout" about. Your accompanying slide show was worthy, too. Nice to see your recent pix mixed in with 12 O'clock High, various model box covers, and like that.
The one picture that was highly intriguing to me (must have connected with me on some deep, geekly level) was the one that seemed to show the volumes within which the various gunner stations could threaten attacking fighters and such.
Were there any worthy souveneers (sp?), other than the pictures and memories? A cool T-shirt, perhaps, or, dare I hope, an ultra-cool pencil (perhaps sporting a gunner bubble in lieu of an eraser???)?
While we're on this subject of the Flying Fortress, some trivia questions (in case you happen to know):
1) How many years did this model of aircraft see duty?
2) How many FF's were made?
3) Typical number of crew?
4) Range without being refueled (did they actually refuel planes during WWII?)?
5) Did these ever fly with fighter escorts, or was the whole idea that their range made it unlikely that they would ever have friendly fighter escorts?
1) How many years did this model of aircraft see duty?
A:The prototype "Model 299 first flew on 7/2/35. The first B-17A model was delivered to the Army Air Force on 1/31/39. The Collings Foundation's "Nine-O-Nine" saw service as an air tanker until January 1986.
2) How many FF's were made?
A:12,731 B-17s of various designations were manufactured.
3) Typical number of crew?
A:Depending on the model, nine or ten:
1. Pilot
2. Co-Pilot
3. Navigator / Flexible Gunner
4. Bombardier / Flexible Gunner, Chin Turret Gunner (B-17G)
5. Flight Engineer / Top Turret Gunner
6. Radio Operator / Flexible Gunner
7. Ball Turret Gunner
8. Left Waist Flexible Gunner
9. Right Waist Flexible Gunner
10. Tail Turret Gunner
4)Range without being refueled (did they actually refuel planes during WWII?)?
A:Depending on bomb load, approximately 2,000 miles. The B-17 was not capable of mid-air refueling. The USAF began developing the technology beginning in 1948.
5)Did these ever fly with fighter escorts, or was the whole idea that their range made it unlikely that they would ever have friendly fighter escorts?
A:The first fighters with enough range to escort Allied Bombers were P-38s and P-47, beginning in March of 1944. P-51s with Merlin engines specifically designed for high altitude and long range became operational in August of that year.
Mucho thanks for those answers. I truly was curious.
I am, by the way, mildly staggered at the number of FF bombers that were built. Man, that's a lot of bombers.
That's also a lot of gunners! Gets you wondering how many FF's took friendly fire from other FF's when they traveled in formation with one another? I'm guessing quite often.
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