What was the difference between B-24 and B-17?
The B-17 had a tall single rudder, while the B-24 utilized smaller twin rudders. The B-17 had a very large wing and ailerons (the moveable portion of the wing), while the B-24 used a smaller wing and ailerons for speed. Thus, the Liberator was faster, but the Flying Fortress could fly higher.
Was the B-24 better than the B-17?
They flew 5% less than B-17’s but had 105% more fatalities and 85% more wrecks. Even though it had less defensive fire and high altitude speed than the B-17, the British felt that the B-24 was still superior to the German bomber. Thus, they preferred the B-24 and even named her the “Liberator”.
Was the B-24 any good?
Along with the B-17, the B-24 was the mainstay of the US strategic bombing campaign in the Western European theater. Due to its range, it proved useful in bombing operations in the Pacific, including the bombing of Japan.
Which B-17 flew the most missions?
Nine-O-Nine was a Boeing B-17G-30-BO Flying Fortress heavy bomber, of the 323rd Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group, that completed 140 combat missions during World War II, believed to be the Eighth Air Force record for most missions, without loss to the crews that flew her….
| Nine-O-Nine | |
|---|---|
| Total hours | 1,129 hours |
Was the B 24 a good plane?
Which allied transport was used to fly supplies and materials across the Himalayan mountains?
The India-China Airlift (July 1942 – December 1945) After China’s ocean, rail, and road supply routes were blocked, all supplies had to be moved by air over the eastern end of the Himalayan Mountains, an area named The Hump by Allied pilots.
What size bombs did B-17 carry?
The B-17’s armament consisted of five .30 caliber (7.62 mm) machine guns, with a payload up to 4,800 lb (2,200 kg) of bombs on two racks in the bomb bay behind the cockpit.
When did the B-17 Liberator come out?
From its introduction in 1938, the B-17 Flying Fortress evolved through numerous design advances. The Consolidated B-24 Liberator is an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California.
Which is better B-17 or B-24 Superfortress?
While aircrews tended to prefer the B-17, General Staff favored the B-24, and procured it for a wide variety of roles. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress is a four-engine propeller-driven heavy bomber designed by Boeing which was flown primarily by the United States during World War II and the Korean War.
What was the debate between B-17 and B-24?
Clearly, the number of sorties was increasing for both types of bomber crew. The debate over merits of B-17s versus B-24s began when the two airplanes were new and will linger long after publication of this volume. there is evidence to suggest the USAAF even fueled the controversy while trying to instill pride in each type of bomber crew.
Is the B-17 Flying Fortress the best airplane?
They point to photographs of B-17s that returned to base with large holes put there by flak or fighters. Former B-17 crew members who survived a combat tour stress that because the Old Fort brought them home, it has to be the best. Similarly, vets experienced with the Consolidated B-24 Liberator say the same thing about their airplane.