The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress flew in every combat zone during World War II, but its most significant service was over Europe. Along with the B-24 Liberator, the B-17 formed the backbone of the USAAF strategic bombing force, and it helped win the war by crippling Germany’s war industry. The aircraft on display, the famed B-17F Memphis Belle, became the first heavy bomber to return to the US after flying 25 missions over Europe. The Memphis Belle, which had been on loan from the Air Force to th

B-17 Flying Fortress: The Third-Most Produced Bomber of All Time | War History Online

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was a four-engine bomber developed for the United States Army Air Corps. The aircraft was known for its robust endurance and ability to carry a large number of defensive weapons, earning it the nickname "the flying fortress." The "Memphis Belle" was one of the first B-17s to successfully complete 25 combat missions over Europe with its crew intact. The story of the "Memphis Belle" inspired two films: a 1944 documentary and a 1990 Hollywood feature film. Today, the