Difference between revisions of "B-17E"

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{{Specs-Card|code=b-17e}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=b-17e}}
{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[B-17_(Disambiguation)|B-17 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = American bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = B-17 (Family)
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{Break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American frontline bomber {{Battle-rating|3}}.
 
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
 
|-
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
|-
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,680 m)
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
|-
 
! ABN1K2-J
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! Stock
! RB
+
| 496 || 483 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.9 || 37.9 || 5.8 || 5.7 || rowspan="2" | 600
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 523 || 510 || 35.1 || 36.0 || 8.7 || 7.2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flap
 
! Landing flap
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
| X || X || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| || || || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ??? || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 400 || 400 || 249 || ~2 || ~1
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 330 || < 310 || < 270 || > 300
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 105: Line 80:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
+
| 6,180 m || 4,000 hp || 4,708 hp
|-
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
 
|-
 
|-
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
* No armour plating
+
 
* No armour glazing
+
* 6.35 mm Steel plate behind nose gunner.
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
+
* 6.35 mm Steel plates behind pilots.
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage
+
* 6.35 mm Steel plates behind dorsal gunners.
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel plates in front of beam gunners.
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel plates in front of tail gunner.
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner.
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass ball turret.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===
+
=== Suspended armament ===
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
+
{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
+
* 8 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 +
* 12 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 6 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  
* 4 x 7.5 mm [[MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)|MAC 1934]] machine guns (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
 
-->
 
<!--=== Suspended armament ===
 
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''-->
 
<!--
 
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
+
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
-->
+
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
== Usage in the battles ==
+
 
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose turret (500 rpg)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, front dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, rear dorsal turret (500 rpg)
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, tail turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The B-17E Flying Fortress is intended to be used as a high-altitude level bomber in order to target airfields, bases, and land fortifications. Despite its large bomb load, it's not recommended to target moving ground units, such as tanks or armoured cars, especially when they are travelling in tight columns due to the inaccuracy of your bombs at high altitudes and the ability for the AI on the ground to perform evasive manoeuvres when bombs are falling onto their position. When using the B-17E, it is best to fly with another friendly bomber or fighter (if possible) to ensure maximum protection. If you are flying alone, design a secure flight path towards your objective in the hopes of not being detected by enemy fighters.
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
The B-17E is designed specifically to withstand the harshest punishment during combat. The bomber itself provides plenty of armour along the fuselage and tail except for the nose, which is the only area that's not protected by any form of protection. The armour ranges from 6.35 mm sheets to a single 38 mm glass plate protecting the tail gunner. Speaking of armour protection, in order to ensure the greatest chance of survival during an interception, you must not move. The B-17E is not designed to execute sharp defensive manoeuvres (turns, dives, and rolls) unlike its predecessor the [[B-25J-20|B-25]], but rather designed to use its defensive armament provided (consisting of 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm turrets) to fight back against harassing enemy fighters. Some great advice for novice bombardiers is to include incendiary ammunition in your turret belts. This crucial precaution will guarantee more lethal firepower coming from your defensive armament, since not only are you penetrating armour, but you are also setting components ablaze. However, the armour and defensive armaments typically won't save you from the high tier interceptors and cannon-armed fighters (especially german heavy fighters/interceptors that are armed with 30 mm cannons and get air spawns) you will face. Since they are all heavily armoured, while possessing the ability to rip your wings off with a few 20 mm cannon shots or one shot you with the 30 mm from 1.5 km away, it is better to just avoid them all together by side climbing and using cloud cover when heading to the enemy base. NEVER head straight to the enemy base because the enemy player will trace your flight path from your spawn point to their base and easily intercept you. Also unlike the B-25, the B-17 does not have particularly effective armour or defensive armament in the front, so if an enemy fighter decides to go head on, try turning away to expose your tail, which is a lot more protected against the incoming fighter. If not then both pilots could get knocked out and send you straight back to the hanger.
 +
 
 +
In conclusion, the B-17E is a great introduction for players using the American bomber line. Although it is not the "immortal gunship" B-17 of old, if used well, the B-17E is a force be reckoned with.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
! Water
 
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>1 gear || Auto controlled
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan = "1"| Tier
+
! Tier
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
+
! Survivability
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
+
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
|  
+
| Protective vest
|  
+
| Turret 7 mm
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
|  
+
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 +
| LBC-17
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
|  
+
|
|  
+
| Turret 12 mm
 +
| SBC-17
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
|  
+
|
| Engine Injection
+
|
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
|  
+
| New 12 mm MGs (turret)
 +
| MBC-17
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
As a slow and lumbering heavy bomber, the ''Flying Fortress'' relies entirely on its turrets for defence. Without it, the plane is a piñata. Thus, ''Protective vests'' should be the first unlock. Further survivability upgrades will make fending off attacks easier but do not think to stand successfully against enemy fighters. So upgrading the bomb load should be second priority. Performance modules can be considered least necessary, it will not go anywhere quick anyway.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Large bomb load
 +
* Heavy defensive armament
 +
* Multiple engines (preserves speed when damaged)
 +
* Very sturdy fuselage able to soak up heavy damage
 +
* Calibres below 12.7 mm are ineffective against it
 +
* Good speed
 +
* Defensive armaments provide all-around coverage
 +
* Performs well at high altitudes
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Cumbersome target
 +
* Poor climb rate
 +
* Nose is extremely vulnerable
 +
* Cannons are very effective against it
 +
* Multiple engines mean multiple fires
 +
* Sluggish controls and very difficult to manoeuvre
 +
* Wings are large and vulnerable
 +
* Low speed
 +
* Few shots of 20 mm+ cannons filled with explosives are needed to cut off a wing
 +
* Engines will overheat at 100%
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
 +
 
 +
=== In-game description ===
 +
The legendary B-17 American heavy bombers were rightly called Flying Fortresses. This four-engined heavy bomber was an all-metal hero, an extremely durable aircraft that could return to the airfield with just one engine, riddled with bullets.
 +
 
 +
But the early models of the B-17 had a significant blind spot in the rear, so fighter support was required. To solve this problem, the B-17E was produced, and a turret with two 12.7mm machine guns was installed in the tail section of the aircraft. To do this, the fuselage size had to be increased. In addition, to improve control of the plane, the tail was broadened and a larger vertical fin was installed.
 +
 
 +
Although it lost some speed when compared to the B-17D, the new model fared favorably with its new protection and thus became the first truly mass-produced B-17. From September 5, 1941 to May 1942, 512 aircraft were made on the production line, before the development of the B-17F.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
<!--''ETC.''-->
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Boeing}}
 
{{USA bombers}}
 
{{USA bombers}}

Revision as of 10:17, 6 July 2020

RANK 4 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
B-17E
b-17e.png
B-17E
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American bomber B-17E. For other versions, see B-17 (Family).

Description

GarageImage B-17E.jpg


The B-17E Flying Fortress is a rank III American bomber with a battle rating of 4.7 (AB/RB) and 5.7 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

General info

Flight performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,680 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 496 483 11156 36.9 37.9 5.8 5.7 600
Upgraded 523 510 35.1 36.0 8.7 7.2

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 290 400 400 249 ~2 ~1
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 330 < 310 < 270 > 300
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
6,180 m 4,000 hp 4,708 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 6.35 mm Steel plate behind nose gunner.
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates behind pilots.
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates behind dorsal gunners.
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates in front of beam gunners.
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates in front of tail gunner.
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner.
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass ball turret.

Armaments

Suspended armament

The B-17E can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 8 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 12 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 6 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (4,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

The B-17E is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose turret (500 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, front dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, rear dorsal turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, tail turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

Usage in battles

The B-17E Flying Fortress is intended to be used as a high-altitude level bomber in order to target airfields, bases, and land fortifications. Despite its large bomb load, it's not recommended to target moving ground units, such as tanks or armoured cars, especially when they are travelling in tight columns due to the inaccuracy of your bombs at high altitudes and the ability for the AI on the ground to perform evasive manoeuvres when bombs are falling onto their position. When using the B-17E, it is best to fly with another friendly bomber or fighter (if possible) to ensure maximum protection. If you are flying alone, design a secure flight path towards your objective in the hopes of not being detected by enemy fighters.

The B-17E is designed specifically to withstand the harshest punishment during combat. The bomber itself provides plenty of armour along the fuselage and tail except for the nose, which is the only area that's not protected by any form of protection. The armour ranges from 6.35 mm sheets to a single 38 mm glass plate protecting the tail gunner. Speaking of armour protection, in order to ensure the greatest chance of survival during an interception, you must not move. The B-17E is not designed to execute sharp defensive manoeuvres (turns, dives, and rolls) unlike its predecessor the B-25, but rather designed to use its defensive armament provided (consisting of 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm turrets) to fight back against harassing enemy fighters. Some great advice for novice bombardiers is to include incendiary ammunition in your turret belts. This crucial precaution will guarantee more lethal firepower coming from your defensive armament, since not only are you penetrating armour, but you are also setting components ablaze. However, the armour and defensive armaments typically won't save you from the high tier interceptors and cannon-armed fighters (especially german heavy fighters/interceptors that are armed with 30 mm cannons and get air spawns) you will face. Since they are all heavily armoured, while possessing the ability to rip your wings off with a few 20 mm cannon shots or one shot you with the 30 mm from 1.5 km away, it is better to just avoid them all together by side climbing and using cloud cover when heading to the enemy base. NEVER head straight to the enemy base because the enemy player will trace your flight path from your spawn point to their base and easily intercept you. Also unlike the B-25, the B-17 does not have particularly effective armour or defensive armament in the front, so if an enemy fighter decides to go head on, try turning away to expose your tail, which is a lot more protected against the incoming fighter. If not then both pilots could get knocked out and send you straight back to the hanger.

In conclusion, the B-17E is a great introduction for players using the American bomber line. Although it is not the "immortal gunship" B-17 of old, if used well, the B-17E is a force be reckoned with.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Auto control available
Not controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Combined Controllable
1 gear
Auto controlled

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Protective vest Turret 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs (turret) LBC-17
III Wings repair Engine Turret 12 mm SBC-17
IV Cover New 12 mm MGs (turret) MBC-17

As a slow and lumbering heavy bomber, the Flying Fortress relies entirely on its turrets for defence. Without it, the plane is a piñata. Thus, Protective vests should be the first unlock. Further survivability upgrades will make fending off attacks easier but do not think to stand successfully against enemy fighters. So upgrading the bomb load should be second priority. Performance modules can be considered least necessary, it will not go anywhere quick anyway.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Large bomb load
  • Heavy defensive armament
  • Multiple engines (preserves speed when damaged)
  • Very sturdy fuselage able to soak up heavy damage
  • Calibres below 12.7 mm are ineffective against it
  • Good speed
  • Defensive armaments provide all-around coverage
  • Performs well at high altitudes

Cons:

  • Cumbersome target
  • Poor climb rate
  • Nose is extremely vulnerable
  • Cannons are very effective against it
  • Multiple engines mean multiple fires
  • Sluggish controls and very difficult to manoeuvre
  • Wings are large and vulnerable
  • Low speed
  • Few shots of 20 mm+ cannons filled with explosives are needed to cut off a wing
  • Engines will overheat at 100%

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

In-game description

The legendary B-17 American heavy bombers were rightly called Flying Fortresses. This four-engined heavy bomber was an all-metal hero, an extremely durable aircraft that could return to the airfield with just one engine, riddled with bullets.

But the early models of the B-17 had a significant blind spot in the rear, so fighter support was required. To solve this problem, the B-17E was produced, and a turret with two 12.7mm machine guns was installed in the tail section of the aircraft. To do this, the fuselage size had to be increased. In addition, to improve control of the plane, the tail was broadened and a larger vertical fin was installed.

Although it lost some speed when compared to the B-17D, the new model fared favorably with its new protection and thus became the first truly mass-produced B-17. From September 5, 1941 to May 1942, 512 aircraft were made on the production line, before the development of the B-17F.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


Boeing Aircraft
Aircraft 
Fighters  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
Bombers  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE
  B-29A-BN
Export  P-26A-34 · B-17G
Captured  ▅B-17E
Helicopters 
Attack  AH-64A · AH-64D
Export / Licensed  AH-64A (GR) · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A Peten · ▅AH-64DJP · ▄AH Mk.1 · AHS
See Also  Tupolev Design Bureau · Westland Helicopters · Fuji Heavy Industries
  For Boeing-built ships, see Boeing Marine Branch

USA bombers
Dive  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3 · SBD-3 · SB2C-1C · SB2C-4
Torpedo  TBD-1 · PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina · TBF-1C · BTD-1
Medium  B-10B · B-18A · B-34 · PV-2D · B-25J-1 · B-25J-20 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT · B-26B
Heavy  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE · PB4Y-2 · B-24D-25-CO · B-29A-BN
Hydroplanes  OS2U-1 · OS2U-3 · PBM-1 "Mariner" · PBM-3 "Mariner"