How many B 17s are in a squadron?

Table of Contents

The basic element of a typical formation was a squadron “box” of 9 or 12 aircraft; three squadron boxes staggered vertically and horizontally formed a group, and three groups in trail formed a combat wing.

How many B-17 bombers shot down?

Today only 12 B-17’s still fly, out of the 12,732 that were built. 5. number of B-17s lost in operations numbered 4,750, or 37% of the 12,732 aircraft built….B-17 Flying Fortress.

Country	United States
Primary Role	Heavy Bomber
Maiden Flight	28 July 1935

What does the 17 mean in B-17?

What does the B stand for in B-17 and B-24 and the P in P-38 stand for? Answer: The B in B-17 and B-24 stand for Bomber and the P in P-38 stands for Pursuit. The Air Force changed the ‘pursuit’ designation to ‘fighter’ after WW2 which is one reason you may have noticed P-51s being referred to as F-51s in some text.

How many Gunners are in a B-17?

There were 5 gunners in the back of the plane, all enlisted men who were non-commissioned officers (NCO’s) during their mission. During takeoff, they all sat in the radio room behind the bomb bay—the strongest part of the aircraft where the wings intersect with the fuselage.

Was the B-17 or b24 better?

The B-24 was a faster plane having a greater range and payload capacity. However, in the ETO, the B-24 operated with the B-17 which constrained the aircraft’s operating speed. The B17 was a sedate aircraft and placed fewer demands on the flight deck crew. The B-17 was also an easier aircraft to fly in formation.

Which is bigger B-17 or B-24?

The B-24 had a shoulder-mounted high aspect ratio Davis wing. This wing was highly efficient allowing a relatively high airspeed and long range. Compared to the B-17 it had a 6-foot larger wingspan, but a lower wing area. This gave the B-24 a 35% higher wing loading.

How high did B-17 bombers fly?

Technical Specifications

First flight	July 28, 1935 (prototype)
Range (max.)	3,750 miles
Ceiling	35,600 feet
Power	Four 1,200-horsepower Wright R-1820-97 engines
Accommodation	2 pilots, bombardier, navigator, radio-operator, 5 gunners