What is a B-17?
A B-17 is a single wing four engine aircraft that was used primarily during World War II. The model used for wartime had nine machine guns and 4,000 lbs (1,184 kg) of bombs. It was heavily armored to withstand the ever-increasing power of enemy fire. The B-17 was originally called Model 299 and was the result of a United States Army Air Corp (USAAC) competition. The 1934 contest called for a replacement to the Keystone biplane bombers that were in service at the time. Boeing developed the B-17 based on the requirements of the competition: a range of at least 1,020 miles (1,641 km), with 2,200 miles (3,540 km) preferred ; a speed of at least 200 mph (322 km/h), with 250 mph (402 km/h) preferred; and the ability to carry at least 2,000 lbs (907 kg) of bombs. When the B-17 was unveiled to the press, the armory so impressed them that it was dubbed the “Flying Fortress.” The B-17 was armed not only with 4,000 lbs of bombs, but also with five .30-caliber machine guns that were contained with
Dubbed the “Flying Fortress” for its defensive firepower, the legendary bomber saw action in nearly every operation during World War II. The majority of all World War II B-17s participated in missions from bases in England. Between 1935 and 1945, more than 12,000 were produced, but today there are just 14 operational B-17s in the world. The aircraft itself is about 75 feet long, holds 1,700 gallons of fuel and can weigh up to 65,000 pounds and reach speeds of 300 mph. Source: The Liberty Foundation If You Go What: Public rides on the Liberty Belle World War II B-17 Where: Augusta Regional Airport When: Friday and Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing every hour on the hour as requested Cost: $355 for Liberty Foundation members and $395 for nonmembers; Anyone can also take a look at the plane after the flights by making a small donation to the Liberty Foundation Reservations: Call (918) 340-0243 or go to www.libertyfoundation.org. Foundation members said it’s recommended that you
