How many B-17 lost in WWII?

Roughly 4,735 were destroyed during World War II and while thousands of them continued to be used in various military and civilian applications around the world, most were eventually retired or destroyed. Today, 45 B-17s survive in complete form, and of those, only nine are airworthy.

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

Although such statistics were not circulated among Army Air Forces crews, the average life expectancy of an Eighth Air Force B-17 in late 1943 was 11 missions.

How many German fighters shot down by B-17s?

Of the 291 attacking Fortresses, 60 were shot down over Germany, five crashed on approach to Britain, and 12 more were scrapped due to damage – a loss of 77 B-17s.

What percentage of B-17s were shot down?

They were exposed to the full fury of the German defenses as they flew back to England. No B-24s took part in the raid. Sixty B-17s were shot down or damaged beyond repair, a staggering loss of nearly 25 percent of the total attacking force.

Did the B-17 drop more bombs than any other U.S. aircraft in ww2?

Developed by the Boeing Company in the 1930s, the B-17 was a four‑engine heavy bomber aircraft used by the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. It was a very effective weapons system, dropping more bombs during the war than any other American aircraft.

The most Damaged B-17 you'll ever see Flying

What bomber shot down the most planes in WW2?

Which plane shot down the most planes in WW2? As others have said, it pretty much has to be the Messerschmitt Bf-109. The Bf-109 was a fine, modern fighter - though it was getting a bit old by the end of the war.

How many bombers did the U.S. lose in WW2?

In fact, the Bombardment Group, with the combined force of four squadrons, was also too small. In total, the 8th Air Force lost over 26,000 men. An additional 28,000 men became prisoners of war. Aircraft losses were also grim: 10, 561 planes of varying types were shot down, 4754 of those were B-17 heavy bombers.

What was the life expectancy of the B-17 tail gunner?

The Rear-Turret Gunners were in the most vulnerable position on the Plane. The life expectancy of a WW2 Rear-gunner varied but was never high, mostly about just 5-Sorties.

What was the mortality rate of the B-17 gunner?

The average age of the crew of a B-17 was less than 25, with four officers and six enlisted Airmen manning the aircraft. Their chance of survival was less than 50 percent.

What were the odds on surviving a B-17?

Statistically, a crew member had only a 25 percent chance of surviving 25 missions.

Were B-17 gunners effective?

One of the few gunner aces who received official recognition was Benjamin Warner, a B-17 waist gunner. During a bombing mission on July 5, 1943, Warner shot down 7 German fighters, for which he was given the Distinguished Service Cross. He finished the war with 9 enemy planes destroyed.

What did German pilots think of the B-17?

Enemy pilots gained a healthy respect for the tail guns. 'A German pilot did once say that attacking a B-17 formation from behind was like trying to make love to a porcupine that is on fire,' Walt Miller, Former 0311/0302 at United States Marine Corps (1973-1993), explains on Quora.

How cold was it in a B-17?

"It was 60 degrees below zero at 22,000 feet." Throat microphones allowed them to communicate, while electrically heated suits and gloves helped the crew members deal with the cold.

What is the deadliest military plane ever?

The F-35 strengthens national security, enhances global partnerships and powers economic growth. As the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter jet in the world, the F-35 gives pilots the critical advantage against any adversary, enabling them to execute their mission and come home safe.

What is the deadliest army plane?

The F-15 Eagle and its variants are some of the most capable jet fighters ever. McDonnell Douglas created and produced it primarily as an air superiority tactical fighter. The Eagle is one of the most successful fighters of the modern era. It has won over 100 battles with forces and never lost a fight in the air.

How many 50 cal guns were on the B-17?

Built for strategic daylight bombing, the four-engine, heavy bomber B-17 is equipped with 13 Browning M-2 . 50-caliper mounted machine guns, and is capable of carrying up to a 6,000-pound bomb load in a single mission.

How often did B-17 pilots fly?

Hell's Angels B-17 Crew

The first heavy bomber to complete 25 combat missions in the European Theater, May 13th, 1942. After completing 25 missions, Hell's Angels remained in theater until 1944 and flew a total of 48 missions without any injured crewmen or abort.

How many flying B-17s are there left in the world?

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is an American four-engine heavy bomber used by the United States Army Air Forces and other Allied air forces during World War II. Forty-five planes survive in complete form, including 38 in the United States. Fewer than 10 are airworthy.

How many B-17 bombers were destroyed?

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.

How many B 52 bombers were lost in the Vietnam War?

A total of 18 B-52s were lost in combat during the Vietnam War, most as a result of surface-to-air missile (SAM) strikes over North Vietnam. Further, 12 aircraft were lost in other operational circumstances, including the two lost on July 7, 1967.

How much is a B-17 worth?

The four-engine (1200 hp each) Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber, which cost over $200,000 each in 1940 (the equivalent of about $3,000,000 in today's market), was a key component of the United States Army Air Forces' (USAAF) World War II strategy in Western Europe.