Graeme Douglas8.5 x 10. 875, Hardcover, 160 pages
200 color, 50 b/w photos
ISBN: 978-0-7603-4077-6
$28.00, $30.00 CAN
BUY NOW! ISBN: 978-0-7603-4077-6
$28.00, $30.00 CAN
"This is not an owner's manual, it's a fan's manual. It's a loving detailed look at one of the most famous airplanes of World War II in great detail, with some 250 photos, most in color, and drawings with inside looks at some of those still flying."
—Pacific Flyer
The B-17 is one of the most famous airplanes ever built. Although Boeing’s B-17 prototype first flew on July 28, 1935, only a relative handful of B-17s were in the Army Air Corps inventory when America’s war started on December 7, 1941. But production quickly accelerated, peaking at 16 airplanes a day in April 1944, before ending in May 1945 with a total of 12,726 aircraft delivered.
The B-17 served in every World War II combat zone but is best known for daylight strategic bombing of German industrial targets. B-17s from the Eighth Air Force participated in countless missions from bases in England. These missions often lasted for more than eight hours and struck at targets deep within enemy territory. Because of their long-range capability, formations of Flying Fortresses often flew into battle without fighter escort, relying on their own defensive capabilities. G model Fortresses carrying thirteen .50-cal. machine guns and tight formation flying made famous by the motion picture 12 O’Clock High ensured successful missions.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Manual offers a unique perspective on what it takes to restore and operate a B-17 Flying Fortress, as well as a wonderful insight into the engineering and construction of this remarkable airplane. Containing 250 photos and diagrams, this new book provides a stunning visual tour of one of the most famous aircraft to ever take to the air.
About the Author
Graeme Douglas has almost 30 years experience working on the B-17. He is a part-time volunteer at the Imperial War Museum working on the B-17 “Mary Alice.” In the early 1990s, Graeme become responsible for the continued restoration of the project and oversaw the procurement, restoration, and fitting of an upper gun turret in the aircraft. He works as a training consultant and writes technical and training manuals.
