B-17 Flying Fortress

The B-17 Flying Fortress is a success story born from disaster. In fact, it could be argued no other aircraft has had a more horrible first impression, especially for a machine that would eventually revolutionize American aviation history in more ways than one. In 1934, during the golden age of flight and with a dire need for a long-range bomber capability, the Army Air Corps issued a multi-million dollar competition to the aircraft manufacturers Boeing, Martin and Douglas. They were to produce… (airman.dodlive.mil) More...