Boeing

During World War II, Boeing built a large number of B-17 and B-29 bombers. In the beginning of March 1944, production had been scaled up in such a manner that over 350 planes were built each month. To prevent an attack from the air, the manufacturing plants had been covered with greenery and farmland items. During these years of war the leading aircraft companies of the US cooperated. The Boeing-designed B-17 bomber was assembled also by Lockheed Aircraft Corp. and Douglas Aircraft Co., while the B-29 was assembled also by Bell Aircraft Co. and by Glenn L. Martin Company.

B-17 Flying Fortress

Click for B-17 Flying Fortress sound recordings page

The B-17 was primarily employed by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in the daylight precision strategic bombing campaign of World War II against German industrial, civilian, and military targets. The United States Eighth Air Force based in England and the Fifteenth Air Force based in Italy complemented the RAF Bomber Command's nighttime area bombing in Operation Pointblank to help secure air superiority over the cities, factories and battlefields of Western Europe in preparation for Operation Overlord. The B-17 also participated to a lesser extent in the War in the Pacific where it conducted raids against Japanese shipping and airfields.

Only one B-17, Sally B, is currently flying in the UK today. More information about this unique aircraft is available via the Sally B website.

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress recorded 4th July 2010, Old Warden

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Sally B" recorded 4th July 2010, Old Warden. Sally B is the sole flying example of a Flying Fortress flying in the UK.

I have waited a number of years to get a good recording of a B-17 and I must admit, sadly, that I was a little disappointed. Hope you enjoy it though!