B-17 Flying Fortress

B-17 Flying Fortress

Hoisting a deadly load of bombs into the frozen skies, the B-17 Flying Fortress was the United States' workhorse heavy bomber during the WWII. This replica model is handcrafted in iron frame. The model comes with remarkable details such as front rotor blade, wings, cockpit, and landing wheels. They are beautifully painted with the authentic WWII paint and symbols. A must have for the collector and enthusiast! • 100% iron frame • Wheels roll • Metal propeller • Decaled insignia

History

The B-17 Flying Fortress was designed in 1934, then made its first flight on July 28,1935, but wasn't ready for delivery until March 1940. Hoisting a deadly load of bombs into the frozen skies, the B-17 Flying Fortress was the United States' workhorse heavy bomber during the WWII. B-17s served around the globe, but they are B-17 Movie Poster-terrible perhaps most famous for their Eight Air Force daylight strategic bombing raids on Germany. Flying in close formation and bristling with machine guns, the 'Forts' battled through storms of anti-aircraft fire and swarms of German fighters to reach their targets. The B-17 was slower than its counterpart bomber, the B-24 Liberator. It carried fewer bombs and couldn't fly as far as the B-24. Yet, because of the B-17s sturdy and stout design, its crews trusted their aircraft believing that their 'Forts' wouldn't let them down. B-17s returned to England daily with their noses blown open, tails gashed and wings riddled with flack damage. Often they touched down with one or two oil-streaked engines stone cold, with the remaining engines moaning under the strain. Many crews felt that they owed their lives to 'the old bird' that just wouldn't give up. As many as 12,731 Flying Fortresses were built.