The B-17
"Flying Fortress
SPECIFICATIONS
(slight variations for different models)
General
measurements
Wingspan:
103 ft. 10 in.
Length: 74 ft. 4 in.
Height: 19 ft. 1 in.
Weight: 55,000 lbs. loaded
Cost: $275,000 (in 1940s dollars)
Engines: Four
1200hp Wright "Cyclone" R-1820s radials with turbochargers
(varies depending on the model and year of manufacture)
Armament:
Thirteen 0,50 in machine guns. Maximum bomb load 7983 kg
Top Speed:
IAS approx 200 mph at surface level density
Cruise Speed:
IAS 150 mph (most effective below 20000 ft)
Service
Ceiling: 35000 ft (theoretical)
Combat Range:
3218 km (with 1814 kg of bombs)
Crew (10)
Click each position for crew tasks (from Tony's
B-17 Page)
Pilot
Co-Pilot
Navigator
Bombardier
Radio Operator
Flight Engineer/Up-turret Gunner
Ball-turret Gunner
Left Waist Gunner
Right Waist Gunner
Tail Gunner
Pilot
The pilot of
B-17 is actually a commander of the aeroplane responsible for the
safety and efficiency of the crew. Beyond, and above, his piloting
duties, he carries out various tasks including crew training, team
work enhancement, morale support, and quality control of the whole
group. The pilot sits on the left seat of the cockpit.
Co-Pilot
The co-pilot
is the executive officer of B-17 acting as chief assistant and right
arm of the pilot. He has to be familiar with all the duties of the
commander, in order to be able to take over if needed. During the
flight, the co-pilot is responsible for the engine and cruising
controls, and furthermore, acts as an engineering officer maintaining
a complete log of performance data. Usually, the co-pilot is preparing
himself for an aeroplane commander's post.
Navigator
The navigator
directs the flight from departure to destination and return. He
must know the exact position of the aeroplane at all times with
the aid of pilotage, dead reckoning, radio navigation, or celestial
navigation. In order to fulfil his duties as navigator, he also
has to be familiar with instrument calibration, pre-flight planning,
and flight debriefing. Furthermore, the navigator operates and services
one of the machine guns located near his station.
Bombardier
The bombardier
is responsible for accurate and effective bombing. He is in absolute
command of the plane during the bombing run. He actually may control
the plane through the bomb sight while making his way to the correct
release point. As preparatory tasks, the bombardier studies the
current target and corresponding weather conditions before take-off,
and arms the bombs when the plane is over enemy territory. The bombardier
also operates the machine guns located on the nose of the B-17.
Radio Operator
The radio operator
is responsible for all the radio equipment of B-17. His duties include
position reports, assisting the navigator, keeping the liaison and
command sets properly tuned and in good operating order, and last
but nor least, maintaining a log. Apart from his radio operating,
he acts as a gunner, and usually also as a flight photographer.
Engineer
The engineer
is supposed to know more about the aeroplane than any other member
of the crew. He works closely together with the pilot and co-pilot,
checking engine operation, fuel consumption, and the operation of
all equipment. He also works with the bombardier and radio operator
helping them in their tasks. The engineer also operates the top
turret, and thus, acts as one of the gunners of B-17.
Gunners
The gunners
belong to one of two distinct categories: turret gunners and flexible
gunners. They have to be familiar with the coverage area of all
gun positions. They have to be experts in aircraft identification,
and must also know how to maintain and operate the guns in various
conditions. The designated gunner posts are right and left waist
gunners, ball turret gunner and tail gunner. Other gunner posts
include nose turret gunner, cheek guns, top turret gunner, and radio
room gunner.
|
