PRESS RELEASE April 2, 2009

The B-17: Old Memory or New Discovery

 The Experimental Aircraft Association is bringing their B-17G Flying Fortress "Aluminum Overcast" to the Camarillo Airport as part of their 2009 “Salute to Veterans” tour.

Those who lived during World War II, and certainly U.S. Veterans or aerospace employees, need no introduction to the B-17 Flying Fortress. 

But what about those of us with no first-hand memory of World War II, or little understanding of how aerial power helped direct the War’s course? Here’s the chance to make a new discovery, when one of the last flying B-17s comes to Camarillo Airport on April 14-15, hosted by Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 723.

From Boeing Company’s unveiling of the 1935 prototype of a sleek new bomber, to the final delivery of the 12,731^st plane in mid-1945, the B-17 earned a reputation as reliable and durable. The world’s first all-metal, four-engine monoplane was dubbed the “Flying Fortress” by a 1935 news reporter impressed with the plane’s prominent gun positions, sheer size and streamlined appearance. The nickname soon became official.

With the outbreak of war in Europe, the United States wanted a bomber suited for two new concepts in military thinking: long-range strategic bombing and high-altitude precision daylight bombing. The B-17 met these needs. With a crew of eight to ten men, twelve or more .50-caliber machine guns, and a typical bomb load of 5,000 pounds, the B-17 was the most heavily armed bomber of the war.  The aircraft had a range of 2,000 miles, flew at altitudes of 10,000-30,000 feet, cruised at 180 mph, and had a top speed of 300 mph.

The Flying Fortress entered war operations in 1940, flown by British Royal Air Force crews.  The B-17 was involved at the opening of United States-Japan hostilities, and its use was extended widely into Europe. At the conclusion of World War II, the B-17 had carried 40% of the tonnage of bombs dropped by American forces. The versatile aircraft was also used for non-combat operations such as weather reconnaissance, transport of lifeboats to rescue downed airmen, antisubmarine work, and firefighting. 

We salute the thousands of crewmen who endured long, cold, nonpressurized flights at high altitudes to help ensure freedom in the world. There’s no question of the success of B-17 combat squadrons: their massive daylight raids led to aerial battles of attrition, with Germany’s Luftwaffe the eventual loser. We salute those who sacrificed their lives.

Aviation enthusiasts and patriots, young and old, will enjoy a look back in time when the veteran B-17 comes to Camarillo. The “Fortress” will be on display April 14 – 15 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm in front of the Waypoint Cafe.  Admission is free, tour of the B-17 is $5 or $15 per family; kids under 8 and WWII vets are free.  For flight cost and reservations call 800-359-6217 or visit www.b17.org.   WWII veterans will be on hand to share their stories.  Whether a new discovery or a fond memory, don’t miss it!