How many B-17s were shot down during the Second World War?

How many B-17s were shot down during the Second World War?

In addition, air crews liked the B-17 for its ability to withstand heavy combat damage and still return its crew safely home. Between 1935 and May 1945, 12,732 B-17s were produced. Of these aircraft, 4,735 were lost during combat missions. At one time, more than 1,000 B-17s could be assembled for mass combat missions.

How many B-17 bombers are still flying today?

The current total of surviving B-17 bombers located in the United States stands at 40: Nine (9) B-17 planes are airworthy, such as “Texas Raiders”, “Sentimental Journey” and “Aluminum Overcast”.

What was the life expectancy of a B-17 crew?

Some 80 percent of B-17 crewmen survived the war, so how do you compute their life expectancy? If the average life expectancy for that generation was 70 years, then maybe 70 minus 20 percent which equals 56 years was the life expectancy for a B-17 crewman flying over Europe in WW11.

How many B 29s were shot down over Japan?

On March 10, 1945, flying in darkness at low altitudes, more than 300 B-29s dropped close to a quarter of a million incendiary bombs over Tokyo. LeMay’s gamble was successful. Perhaps as many as 100,000 Japanese were dead, almost 16 square miles of the city destroyed, and a million people homeless.

What was the life expectancy of a WW2 bomber crew?

It had a crew of seven from the pilot to the gunners. Everyone had to play their part to stay alive. The Lancaster was one of the most dangerous places to be in the entire war – the life expectancy of a new recruit was just two weeks. Find out if you have what it took to be part of the crew.

What was bigger b17 or b29?

Due to all of this, the B-29 is much heavier than the B-17. As a result, Boeing was forced to use more powerful engines for the B-29. In turn, the B-29 had a much longer combat range than the B-17. On top of the longer combat range, the B-29 also had a much faster cruising and max speed.

How many crew members does a B-17 have?

Armed with no less than 13 0.50-calibre machine guns, including two in a new “chin” turret for defense against head-on attack, the B-17G fairly bristled with machine guns. It was operated by a crew of 10, including the pilot, copilot, navigator-radioman, bombardier, and gunners.

What is a B-17 bomber?

The prototype B-17 Bomber was built at the company’s own expense and was a fusion of the features of Boeing XB-15 and Boeing 247 Transport Aircraft. Initially, it could carry a payload of 2200 kg along with 5x .30-inch machine guns.

What are the B-17 Flying Fortress crew positions?

Take to the skies in any one of ten B-17 Flying fortress crew positions: Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navigator, Bombadier/Chin Turret Gunner, Radio Operator, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner, Port Waist Gunner, Starboard Waist Gunner, Ball Gunner, and Tail Gunner!

What is B-17 Flying Fortress Mighty 8th?

This is the original MicroProse B-17 Flying Fortress: The Mighty 8th, the legendary sequel to B-17 Flying Fortress: World War II Bombers in Action. Fly the B-17 Flying Fortress and become a legend before your own time!

Can You Fly a B-17 in WW2?

Feel the power of flying a 10-men crew on a B-17 over occupied Europe in WWII. Plan the mission, choose your men and take action in every post onboard, from pilot to bombardier and machine gunners. Get ready for a high-flying adventure in this all-time classic. – 79% of the 67 user reviews for this game are positive.