Inside the B-17 - The dangerous missions of the Eighth Air Force

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress dropped more bombs than any other US aircraft in the Second World War. A lot of these aircraft flew out of bases in England, as part of the USAAF’s daylight strategic bombing campaign, alongside the B-24. The B-17 was known as a hardy, reliable aircraft, yet in the first year of their campaign over Germany, only 36% completed their required tour of 25 missions. What made the raids of the Eighth Air Force so dangerous? We take a close look at the B-17, take a look inside the fuselage and cockpit, and hear from two veteran B-17 crew.

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CREDITS
Footage of Sally B at Duxford Air Show courtesy of Planes TV: https://www.youtube.com/user/PlanesTV
B-17 shot down over Schweinfurt © USAAF
Tail Gunner: United States National Archives via D. Sheley