B-17D in revetment w/radar - any info?

[sandiego89]

There are quite a few photographs that are improperly captioned, perhaps years after the photo. I remember some of the 509th crew shots that were captioned "on Tinian" but clearly showed Wendover in the background....

[omega7]

I might be way off with this, but if I had to roll the dice, I would make the call for one of the three B-17’s that fought in the 1948 war with Egypt. Four were negotiated, one was impounded. Of the three that served Israel, one was later modified for maritime patrol work which would explain the antenna. Note also the props set in uniform fashion indicating a propaganda photo inasmuch as the fledgeling Israeli Air Force was practically proud of its inventory; Egypt was equally dismayed by being on the receiving end of the encounter.

Consider also Israel’s mixed bag of geology with its abundance of mountains as well as coastal flatlands.

Just a thought. –Adrian omega7

[Chris Brame]

No, the Israeli planes were all late G models - this one is definitely a D; sharkfin tail and two square cockpit windows behind the sliding one (and cowl flaps so it's not a C).

[Chris Brame]

Update: Turns out the winning bidder bought out the lot and broke it up; the photo was relisted with a "one cent discount" :

I was in the bidding until the end but lost. At least I got a slightly better image out of the deal...

[ALOHADAVE]

Thanks for posting the image.