Permalink: http://www.boeingimages.com/archive/Crowd-Examines-a-B-17-Flying-Fortress--1944-2JRSXLJJEW2S.htmlCopyright © Boeing. All Rights Reserved.View Photo/Video onlyConceptually similarB-17G Flying Fortress, Right SideB-17G Flying Fortress with New Cheek GunsB-17G Flying Fortress Line UpB-17G Flying Fortress, Left SideWomen Stand in Front of "5 Grand" B-17 Flying FortressB-17G Flying Fortress on the Ground at Boeing FieldWoman Inside B-17G Flying Fortress Chin TurretB-17G Flying Fortress Waist GunB-17G Flying Fortress Waist GunView AllView more with similar tones Crowd Examines a B-17 Flying Fortress, 1944Select usageWhat Type of Order?Usage:As World War II intensified, the Allied bombers needed additional armament and armor. The B-17E, the first mass-produced model Flying Fortress, carried nine machine guns and a 4,000-pound bomb load. It was several tons heavier than the prototypes and bristled with armament. It was the first Boeing airplane with the distinctive, and enormous, tail for improved control and stability during high-altitude bombing. Each new version was more heavily armed with the G model representing the maximum defensive fire- 11 machine guns. The Fortresses were legendary for their ability to stay in the air after taking brutal poundings. Boeing plants built a total of 6,981 B-17s in various models, and another 5,745 were built under a nationwide collaborative effort by Douglas and Lockheed (Vega).BI41849 (hs2396)Maximum size:2828px × 2187px (~17 MB)9.4in × 7.2in (300dpi)License type:Rights ManagedKeywords:1940s-adults-airfields-airplanes-ammunition/weapons systems-automobiles-B-17 Flying Fortress (Model 299)-B-17G Flying Fortress-Boeing-Boeing historic prop-driven monoplanes-bombers-clouds-crowds-day-exteriors-female-fuselages-ground shots-half-length views-historic production status-male-military-military livery-monoplanes-out of production-right side views-shine-tails-tarmac-United States-viewed from above-vintage / retro-Washington StateRelated Photo/Videos:View All