B-17 Flying Fortress | The Deadly Missions of the 8th Air Force

B-17 Flying Fortress

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress dropped more bombs than any other US aircraft in the Second World War. A lot of these aircraft flew out of bases in England, as part of the USAAF’s daylight strategic bombing campaign, alongside the B-24. The B-17 was known as a hardy, reliable aircraft, yet in the first year of their campaign over Germany, only 36% completed their required tour of 25 missions. What made these raids so dangerous? We take a close look at the B-17, take a look inside the fuselage and cockpit, and hear from two veteran B-17 crew.

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