84 Wings of Destiny: The Legacy of the B-17 Bomber

Amidst the turmoil of World War II, the B-17 bomber emerged as a testament to American innovation revolutionizing aerial warfare with its cutting-edge technology and formidable capabilities. The B-17 defied convention with its four-engine design, enabling precision daylight bombing missions deep into enemy territory beyond the reach of traditional anti-aircraft defenses. Powered by turbo-supercharged radial engines, a uniquely American achievement, and guided by the clandestine precision of the Norden bombsight, the B-17 epitomized the marriage of ingenuity and military might. This chapter will explore the technological advancements, strategic significance, and enduring cultural legacy of the B-17 bomber, illustrating its status as an iconic symbol of American innovation, military prowess, and the evolution of aerial warfare (Campbell, 1998).

The development and design of the B-17 bomber marked a pivotal moment in aviation history, showcasing American innovation and determination. In response to the US Army’s call for a new multi-engine bomber, Boeing embarked on a groundbreaking approach that would redefine the capabilities of such aircraft. While most bombers of the time featured only two engines, Boeing aimed to create a compact yet powerful bomber with four engines, leveraging the additional power for enhanced performance rather than increased lift capacity. This visionary approach set Boeing apart from its competitors and laid the foundation for the B-17’s exceptional design.

With the approval of the Boeing Board of Directors and a substantial investment of $275,000 (eventually totaling over $660,000), the Model 299, later renamed the B-299, took shape. Led by the young but talented Edward C. Wells, the Boeing team worked tirelessly to bring the revolutionary design to life. The prototype, equipped with an impressive array of five machine guns, earned the nickname “Flying Fortress” for its formidable appearance and capabilities. Despite a tragic setback during a test flight that resulted in the loss of Major Ployer Hill and Les Tower, the B-299 had already captured the attention of the US Army, leading to an initial order of thirteen improved B-299s, designated YB-17 (Dietz, 2011).

The evolution of the B-17 bomber, from its early iterations to its final and most prolific model, the B-17G, showcased a relentless commitment to innovation and improvement. Beginning with the B-17B, the first production model, Boeing laid the groundwork for subsequent versions that would address the challenges encountered in combat. However, it was the B-17C that marked a significant turning point, introducing crucial enhancements such as self-sealing fuel tanks, armor, and modifications to gun positions. Despite its initial role as a trainer for the Royal Air Force (RAF), the B-17C saw combat in high-altitude bombing missions over Europe, revealing shortcomings that demanded urgent attention (Campbell, 1998).

Recognizing the need for further advancements, engineers embarked on the development of the B-17E, a transformative iteration that earned a reputation as an offensive powerhouse. Equipped with larger tail surfaces, powered turrets, and a tail turret, the B-17E represented a leap forward in strategic bombing capabilities. Its debut mission to Rouen, France in August 1942 marked the beginning of its respected combat career (Dietz, 2011).

The operational history of the B-17 in the Pacific Theatre underscored both the strengths and limitations of the Flying Fortress in combat. Tasked with missions ranging from strafing to reconnaissance, the B-17 faced formidable challenges from the outset. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, twelve B-17s arriving in Oahu found themselves defenseless against Japanese aircraft, with only one B-17 destroyed but others sustaining damage (Haulman, 2018). Despite such setbacks, the B-17s stationed in the Philippines, particularly those from the 19th Bomb Group, engaged in valiant efforts against Japanese forces, employing low-level attack runs to disrupt enemy movements. However, the relentless Japanese advance eventually forced the 19th Bomb Group to relocate to Australia, marking a strategic shift in the Pacific Theatre (Wikipedia, 2024).

The air corps, renamed to the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) on 20 June 1941, used the B-17 bomber and other bombers to execute high altitude bomb raids using the secret Norden bombsight. The device was able to determine, from variables put in by the bombardier, the point at which the bombs should be released to hit hte target effectively. The Norden bombsight would prove effective in operations on Bremen, Recklinghausen, Operation Pointblank, and in Schweinfurt (Wikipedia, 2024).

The formation of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) was not just the result of one woman’s efforts but a convergence of determined individuals. These determined individuals are Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran and Nancy Love. Despite coming from different backgrounds and wielding distinct leadership styles, both shared an unwavering commitment to empowering women in aviation during World War II. Jackies journey, born from humble beginnings in the South, epitomized the American dream so much so it transformed her from an orphan into a successful business woman and renowned pilot. Meanwhile, Love came from a privileged background in Michigan where her passion for flying started at a young age. The two women together would end up forming a dynamic team. With Cochran’s assertiveness and traditional values clashed with military hierarchy, she had Love’s subtle approach and strategic alliances with key figures to facilitate the acceptance of their vision. Their separate endeavors culminated in the creation of the WASPs merging Cochrans Women’s Flying Training Program and Love’s Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. The WASPs would go on to fly P-51 mustangs and the B-17s to England for supporting missions. Both Love and Cochran proved their point that women were capable of handling not only the fastest pursuit fighters, but also the biggest bombers at the time (Sage, 2017).

The B-17 bomber stands as a testamanet to American innovation, resiliance, and adaptability in the face of adversity. From its beginnings as the Model 299 to its evolution into the iconic B-17G, the Flying Fortress played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of World War II. Despite encountering challenges and setbacks, the B-17 demonstrated remarkable versatility serving in various theaters of operations and fulfilling diverse missions ranging from strategic bombing to reconnaissance and troop transport. Its enduring legacy is not only marked by its technological advancements and combat prowess but also by the countless lives it protected and the mark it left on history. The B-17 remains a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of those who fought bravely in the skies above.

REFERENCES

I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT version 3.5 to generate rough paragraphs of what I would have said. The prompts used include: write an introduction paragraph about the B-17 Bomber from WWII with this thesis, write a few paragraphs using the information that i provided below, write a few paragraphs describing the design and development of the B-17 Bomber in WWII using the following information, taking the information I have provided please write a rough paragraph about the formation of the WASPs. The output from these prompts was used to get my ideas started and provide a framework for what I was going to write. The output from these prompts were cut and pasted into a word document and edited for clarity and structure.

“The B-17 Flying Fortress – The Raid on Mortagne Ironworks” by Unknown Author. https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3318373/

Campbell, J. P. (1998). BAPTISM OF FIRE THE RAF AND THE “FLYING FORTRESS.” 1941. Air Power History, 45(2), 38–49. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44506786

Dietz, T. (2011, September). 306BG. Warbird: The Design, Development, and Deployment of the B-17. https://www.306bg.us/Echoes%20files/138-11oct.pdf

Guilmartin, J. F. (2024, March 6). B-17. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/B-17

Haulman, D. L. (2018). Firebombing Air Raids on Cities at Night. Air Power History, 65(4), 37–42. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26571183

Sage, J. (2017). Ladies of Lockbourne: Women Airforce Service Pilots and the Mighty B-17 Flying Fortress. Ohio History, 124(2), 5–27. https://doi.org/10.1353/ohh.2017.0013

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, April 27). Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 20:07, April 28, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boeing_B-17_Flying_Fortress&oldid=1221000086

Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS)” by U.S. Air Force photo and was found from Wikimedia Commons.