Firepower

AS AN EVOLVING WEAPONS PLATFORM, the Boeing B-17 underwent numerous changes during its production run to increase its survivability over deadly Axis-held skies.

Stan Piet

Although self-sealing tanks, structural ruggedness, cabin and crew armor combined with operational tactics such as box formations were vital, the Flying Fortress’s greatest strength lay in its defensive armament advances. Prewar built B-17 C and D models and early RAF combat use quickly demonstrated the design’s limitations, but its biggest failing was in the area of defensive firepower. The fall of France pushed the Air Corps to reevaluate its promising strategic bomber’s design, and by September 1941, the definitive “E” model of the Flying Fort was ready for service trials. Powered turrets were added from Sperry and Bendix to the top deck and the underside of the fuselage, and the tail was redesigned to accommodate a rear gunner. Waist position flexible mounts remained, and several ball mounts in the forward…

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Flight Journal (Digital) - 1 Issue, September/October 2023

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