B-17 Flying Fortress
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The B-17 Flying Fortress is a world War II heavy bomber built by Boeing in the USA. It first flew in 1935 and entered service in 1938. A heavily armed bomber meant to defend itself on daylight raids.
Photo: Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress on Wikipedia (free licence)
- Top speed462 km/h (287 mph)
- Range3,219 km (2,000 miles)
- First flight1935
- Wingspan31.6 m (104 ft)
B-17 Flying Fortress specs
| Top speed | 462 km/h (287 mph) |
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| Range | 3,219 km (2,000 miles) |
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| Length | 22.7 m (74 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 31.6 m (104 ft) |
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| Height | 5.8 m (19 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 30 t (65,477 lb) |
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| Crew and capacity | 10 crew |
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| Engines | 4 × radial piston, turbocharged |
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| First flight | 1935 |
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| Entered service | 1938 |
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| Built by | Boeing (USA) |
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B-17 Flying Fortress facts
- A reporter nicknamed it the Flying Fortress after seeing all its gun positions.
- 12,731 were built during the Second World War.
Quick quiz
When did the B-17 Flying Fortress first fly?
In 1935.
Who built the B-17 Flying Fortress?
Boeing, in the USA.
How fast can the B-17 Flying Fortress fly?
Its top speed is 462 km/h (287 mph).
How far can the B-17 Flying Fortress fly?
About 3,219 km (2,000 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
B-17 Flying Fortress vs similar aircraft
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