RV4283 B17g Flying Fortress

RV4283 B17g Flying Fortress

The B-17 Flying Fortress is the best-known American bomber of World War II. Heavy losses in 1943, when a total of 120 bombers was shot down, lead to the conclusion that previous B-17 versions carried insufficient defensive armament. As a consequence, the front lower nose of the B-17G was equipped with a turret carrying two 12,7 mm machine guns, providing an effective defence against the feared frontal attacks. Simultaneously, supplementary gun positions were added to the fuselage sides.