Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress G - late Production
HKM01E30
HONG KONG MODEL
1:32
The fact is that the B-17 almost never made history and defeated Nazi Germany, as the prototype known as the Model 299 crashed due to pilot error during evaluation in October 1935. Fortunately, the design showed so much promise during testing, and even far exceeded the requirements of the original specification, that more prototypes were ordered, even though Boeing lost the original contract with the United States Army Air Corps.
This further evaluation led to the type entering active service in 1938.
The actual name "Flying Fortress" was coined by a newspaper writer who witnessed a demonstration of the cannon and turret-laden machine, and Boeing realized this was the kind of propaganda they needed and trademarked the name.
After the first prototypes, the B-17 began mass production with the B-17B variant and underwent a major redesign with the introduction of the "E". This type featured a substantially redesigned tail and a new fillet line that continued through all subsequent versions and gave the B-17 its iconic profile.
The fuselage was extended an additional 10 feet. Other improvements included the addition of a tail and dorsal turret and the addition of a Bendix turret to replace the fixed hull turret that had graced earlier versions.
This was considered disappointing and was eventually replaced by the Sperry ball turret, which became a permanent feature of all subsequent makes.
The Boeing B-17 "G"; was perhaps the most significant of all the types built, and of course numerous modifications were carried over from the "F" version, such as the remotely controlled Bendix chin turret introduced in the late block production "F".
Differences between the "G" version and the previous main production "F" type were the positions of the cheek guns to accommodate the remote control rod for Bendix turret operation, and for the late block production "G" the introduction of the Cheyenne rear gunner position, which offered a reflex sight and a much improved field of fire.
Unlike the early production blocks of the "G", the later production blocks introduced offset hip gun positions for the flexibly mounted .50 caliber machine guns.
The B-17G was powered by four Wright R-1820-97 "Cyclone" turbo-radial engines, each rated at 1200 hp, which were continually upgraded throughout the B-17's service life.
It was also equipped with 13 M2 Browning .5 caliber machine guns.
On a typical long-range mission, the B-17G carried about 2000 kg of bombs.
The wingspan was 31.6 m, the length 23.9 m. All variants of the B-17G normally had a crew of 10 men.
Plastic model kit for a Boeing B-17 G late production
- With photo-etched parts
- Wingspan about 99 cm
- Length about 79 cm
unbuilt / unpainted
Paint and glue not included
(The kit is identical to Hong Kong Model E04. Only the new decals differ)
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