Warbird Information Exchange

Hi, I am working on a 7th grade report on the B-17 "Flying Fortress" and have a couple of questions I was hoping you could answer for me?

1. How was the ride of this plane, smooth/rough?

2. How does it compare to other of this era?

3. I've notice all the different names on the various planes, who was responsible for naming them?

4. Do you have any first hand stories of being on this aircraft that I can use for my report.

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated


Thank you very much!

Nick,
South Carolina

Nick,

Welcome to WIX. You should get a wealth of info here. I suggest you start by using the search feature to look for posts from jhor9, he was a B-17 pilot that has provided much first hand info. He also posts quite a bit on the FLYPAST board as Jules Horowitz.

I'll let other more knowledgeable folks on this board answer most of your questions. However, planes were usually named by their pilots and crews. The chosen names weren't always to the liking of their superiors.

Good luck with your report,

Jeff

Hi Nick, and welcome to the WIX!

Funny thing, but I get to teach American history to seventh graders four days every week!

You might find the following link helpful:

http://members.tripod.com/richardwhite1/id66.htm

The site includes diary entries from the crew's co-pilot, Lieutenant William "Billy" Pflug, who was my mother's cousin. The actual diaries are kept by Mr. Tom Pflug, Billy's nephew. I'm sure it would be fine for you to use those posted diary entries in any report you're putting together.

I can't really comment on the comparative rides of the B-17 versus other heavy bombers of the age.

The decision on an aircraft's name and noseart was usually the pilot's, although sometimes the flight crew or maintenance crew chief might be awarded a little input on the final decision.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Here's a couple of photos to go along with your report!


B-17F "Piccadilly Queen" showing good detail of nose with added .50 cal MG in nose.

Capt Horr and the crew of the "Mission Belle" with some young and
grim faces. General Sherman was right!!

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Don't touch my junk!!