Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress
Boeing · United States · first flew 1941 · bomber
The Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress was the first mass-produced B-17 variant to incorporate major defensive improvements, including a redesigned enlarged tail fin, a powered dorsal turret, a ventral 'bathtub' turret, and a tail gun position. It was the first B-17 used in large-scale USAAF bombing raids.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 22.78 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- First B-17 variant with enlarged tail fin and ventral bathtub turret
- Four Wright R-1820 radial engines
- Large dorsal turret behind cockpit, tail gunner position added
Distinguished from earlier B-17 models by its noticeably larger vertical tail fin, the ventral teardrop 'bathtub' gondola, dorsal turret, and tail gun blisters; four large radial engine nacelles on a low-set tapered wing.
Specifications
- The Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress has a length of 22.78 m (75 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 31.62 m (104 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 514 km/h (319 mph).
- Typical crew: 10.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The B-17E resulted from combat experience gained by the RAF with earlier B-17 marks, which revealed severe defensive blind spots. Boeing redesigned the rear fuselage with a larger fin and rudder, added a Sperry dorsal turret, and introduced the tail gun position for the first time. A total of 512 were built, seeing action in the Pacific and early Eighth Air Force raids from England in 1942.
Variants
The B-17E preceded the B-17F, which further refined the defensive armament and introduced a chin position. The E model introduced the features that became standard on all subsequent Flying Fortress variants.
Where you'll see it
Served with the USAAF in the Pacific (including at Midway and Guadalcanal) and with the newly formed Eighth Air Force in England. Some were converted to transport and training roles.
Related aircraft
- B-29 Superfortress
- Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress
- Boeing XAT-15
- Boeing XPBB-1 Sea Ranger
- Avro Lancaster
- Avro Lancaster B.I
- Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Woomera
- Consolidated TBY Sea Wolf
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