B-17 Flying Fortress

The B-17 Flying Fortress was a bomber plane used in combat missions in Europe during World War II. It was used primarily by American forces based in England. One of the great things about this plane was its heavy fuel capacity. Some of its missions lasted as long as eight hours. Because they had such long-range capacities these planes were much more self-reliant than other military aircraft in use at that time. They were not only bomber planes, but they were also equipped with 13 machine guns for defense.

The B-17 earned the name "Flying Fortress" from a Seattle newspaper reporter who observed the plane's defensive firepower capabilities. The B-17 Flying Fortress was a favorite among pilots and crew members, who appreciated the amount of combat damage this plane could withstand, and still return them home safely. During the war these were considered some of the most modern planes in production. More than 12,000 of these planes were produced during the Second World War.

Catching a Glimpse of History with B-17 Tours

There are less than 100 models of the B-17 Flying Fortress still around today. Of those, as few as 15 are actually capable of taking flight. You can look for aircraft pictures online if you want to get a better idea of what these powerful planes looked like. You can also view them in museums across the country. There's even a charter company that travels around the country, allowing people to tour and in some cases even fly these machines.

Once you observe these planes, you'll likely want to remember your experience with aircraft merchandise. You can find images of the B-17 on everything from mugs to t-shirts in museum gift shops, and at concession stands during flight events. You can also find quality merchandise online.