The B-17E’s Development

Finally, the first batch of Flying Fortresses became operational in 1941. When World War II finally came to an end, an estimated total of 12,730 B-17 aircraft was in operation, including the 8,600 B-17G models.

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Since it was introduced in 1938, it became the third-most produced bomber of all time. Currently, only 9 of these aircraft are still airworthy. However, none of them was ever flown in combat. The rest of the aircraft are either in storage or on display.