This blog post takes readers on a detailed tour of the B-17 Flying Fortress, focusing on the Sentimental Journey, one of the last three flying models. It covers the aircraft's historical significance, its role in WWII, and the unique features that made it a formidable bomber. The post also highlights personal stories of crew members memorialized within the aircraft, showcasing the human side of this iconic machine.
Welcome to Wingspan Adventures in Flight. The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress played a pivotal role during World War II, serving as the backbone of America's daylight bombing campaign. With over 640,000 tons of bombs dropped, it outperformed any other US bomber. Out of the 12,731 B-17s built, nearly 4,735 were lost in combat. Today, only three B-17s still take to the skies, and in this blog post, we will explore one of them: the legendary Sentimental Journey.
Delivered to the US Army Air Forces on March 13, 1945, Sentimental Journey (serial number 4483514) served in the Pacific theater as the war drew to a close. After the war, it transitioned to training crews, testing equipment, and conducting rescue missions before retiring to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in 1959. The aircraft was sold for surplus and became a firebomber, fighting wildfires across the West for nearly two decades. In 1978, it was rescued and restored by the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing, reborn in its wartime glory. Today, Sentimental Journey stands as a testament to the dedication of volunteers who keep this flying fortress aloft.
As we begin our tour, we step into the bomb bay, a crucial component of the B-17's design. The aircraft could carry up to 8,000 lbs of payload and was armed with 13 .50 caliber machine guns. Inside the bomb bay, we notice numerous signatures and handwritten memorials covering the interior walls. These inscriptions tell the stories of the brave airmen who served aboard this aircraft. One poignant example is a memorial for a belly gunner who was killed on his very first mission.
The B-17 faced significant challenges during its early missions. In the first two years of the war, crews had a 25% chance of survival. The attrition rate was devastating, prompting changes in tactics, including the addition of front-mounted guns and the introduction of the P-51 Mustang for escort. By the war's second half, more B-17s were returning home safely, but the Army increased the required number of missions to complete before returning home, from 25 to 30, and eventually to 35.
The Eighth Air Force, which operated the B-17s, suffered tremendous losses. They lost more airmen in bombing crews than the Marines lost in the Pacific, with approximately 26,000 aircrewmen killed in action during World War II. The odds were daunting, but the bravery of these airmen was unparalleled.
Next, we move to the bombardier's position, where we find the Norden bomb sight, one of World War II's most closely guarded secrets. This advanced device revolutionized precision bombing, allowing bombardiers to hit targets with remarkable accuracy. General Hap Arnold famously likened its effectiveness to tossing a bomb into a pickle barrel. The importance of the Norden bomb sight was such that bombardiers swore an oath to protect it, even to the point of destroying it if capture seemed inevitable.
Seated behind the bombardier, the navigator played a critical role in guiding the aircraft through enemy territory. Using maps, a compass, and the Norden drift sight, he charted the bomber's course. By day, he relied on the sun and landmarks; by night, he used the stars and a sextant. Without GPS or radar, these airmen navigated through flak and enemy fighters using only their instincts and mathematical calculations.
The cockpit of the B-17 is cramped and noisy, with pilots working shoulder to shoulder. The aircraft's four Wright Cyclone engines produced over 4,000 horsepower. During long missions, pilots utilized a heated relief tube system to prevent frostbite at high altitudes, where temperatures could plummet to 60 degrees below zero.
As we make our way to the rear fuselage, we cross a narrow bridge over the bomb bay. The rear area offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by airmen during missions. The fear of enemy aircraft and the lack of sophisticated radar systems made every flight a perilous endeavor.
Before exiting the plane, we take a moment to explore the top turret, designed by the Sperry Company. This turret, along with others, played a significant role in the B-17's defensive capabilities. Elmer Ambrose Sperry, the inventor behind many aviation advancements, contributed to the development of these crucial systems.
Thank you for joining us on this Wingspan adventure. The B-17 Flying Fortress is not just a machine; it is a living piece of history that embodies the courage and sacrifice of those who flew it. If you enjoyed this exploration, be sure to subscribe and discover more stories of the aircraft and the heroes who flew them. Your support helps keep history alive.
