Difference between revisions of "B-17G-60-VE"

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(Created page with "{{Specs-Card|code=b-17g}} == 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 a...")
 
(History: Minor correction, the chin turret was introduced on the B-17F-75-DL, not the B-17G)
(11 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
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{{Specs-Card|code=b-17g}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=b-17g}}
 +
{{About
 +
| about = American bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other uses
 +
| 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 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 a 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.''-->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
 +
 
 +
The B-17G Flying Fortress, as the name suggests, is intended to be used as a high-altitude level bomber, designed to target enemy airfields and military bases. Despite its large bomb-load, it is not recommended to target moving ground targets such as tank formations. This due to the inaccuracy of bombs being released at high altitude. When using the B-17G, it is always best to group up with others in a wedge-like formation for optimal defence. The higher you climb the harder of a target you will become. A few fighter escorts, such as a squadron of [[P-51D-5|P-51 Mustangs]] would ensure the survival of friendly bombers. Survival is the utmost importance to be remembered when using this plane. While you may miss one target, you can always make another pass once you reload and repair. 
  
 
== 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. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,680 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 491 || 476 || 11,156 || 37.5 || 38.2 || 2.2 || 2.2 || 600
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,680 m)
 +
! 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
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| ? || ? || 11,156 || ??.? || ??.? || ?.? || ?.? || ?
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| 360 || 300 || 323 || ~1 || ~1
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < 360 || < 300 || < 323 || > 310
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 6,180 m || 4,000 hp || 4708 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Lower nose armour plate
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Back of pilot and co-pilot's seats
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Dorsal turret gunner protective plate
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Radio operator protective plate
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Beam gunner protective armour x 2
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Tail gunner protective plate
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Ball turret
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Tail gunner rear window
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
=== 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.''-->
 +
{{main|:Category:Suspended armaments|l1=Suspended armaments}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
  
== Weaponry ==
+
* 8 x 500 lb bombs (4,000 lb total)
=== Offensive weaponry ===
+
* 12 x 500 lb bombs (6,000 lb total)
''Describe the offensive weaponry 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.''
+
* 6 x 1000 lb bombs (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 8 x 1000 lb bombs (8,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 2000 lb bombs (4,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 2000 lb bombs (8,000 lb total)
  
=== Suspended weaponry ===
+
=== Defensive armament ===
''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: 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.''
+
<!--''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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
  
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
''Defensive weaponry 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.''
 
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, tail turret, 575 RPG
''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).''
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, front dorsal turret, 500 RPG
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, rear dorsal turret, 500 RPG
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, ventral turret, 500 RPG
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, chin turret, 400 RPG
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turret, 600 RPG
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x cheek turret, 300 RPG
  
=== Pros and cons ===
+
==Usage in battles==
''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".''
+
<!--''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 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).''-->
 +
When facing fighters and interceptors in Realistic Battles, it is best to use Omni-purpose or Armour-piercing/Ground Target ammunition belts for the 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns. These ammunition belts are effective at tearing through the engine block and hopefully resulting in an internal engine fire. You may be also able to score a pilot kill on your opponent.
 +
 
 +
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 +
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
 +
B-17s are notoriously hard to kill when compared to similar Soviet and German bombers. However, with the B-17 the best defence is to evade your opponent altogether. Your worst enemies will be almost all fighters due to the high BR (FW-190 D, Ta-152, BF-109 G-10/K-4, F8F-1B, Tempest, etc.). Most fighters will have 2-4 cannons which can still make short work of the B-17.
 +
[[File:BomberImage_Boeing_B-17G_2_BG_dropping_bombs.jpg|200px|thumb|right|B-17G dropping bombs in Europe]]
 +
NOTE: The weakest area of approach with the B-17G is the front. Only 1-2 MGs can be focused directly forward if a fighter head-ons you. The crew is also focused at the nose. If there is a fighter at your level, try to turn and expose the tail "barb". Diving may work as well. However, diving can put you into more danger as more fighters may swarm you.
 +
 
 +
====Counter-tactics====
 +
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. They will most likely BnZ, etc.)-->
 +
When climbing to fight the B-17, you will most likely have a lower energy level depending on the plane you use. The F8F-1B, for example, has extremely good acceleration with WEP and can climb ridiculously quickly as well. If in a plane such as an F8F-1B, attempt to head on the B-17 as this is the weakest point. If the B-17 turns away, climb and chase the Flying Fortress at a higher altitude and then dive on it from an angle. '''Always avoid tailing a B-17''', regardless of model. This just warrants a knocked-out pilot or fire.
 +
 
 +
===Manual Engine Control===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7"|MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2"|Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2"|Pitch
 +
! colspan="3"|Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2"|Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2"|Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan = "2"|Flight performance
 +
! Survivability
 +
! colspan = "2"|Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair||Radiator
 +
| Protective vest
 +
| Turret 12 mm||LBC-17
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
| ||Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| ||SBC-17
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair||Engine
 +
|
 +
| New 12 mm MGs (turret)||MBC-17
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| ||Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| M10 bomb rack
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
This slow and lumbering heavy bomber relies entirely on its turrets for defence. Without it, the plane is target practice. Thus "Protective vests" should be the first unlock. Further survivability upgrades will make the fight easier, but do not think it will successfully face-off against enemy fighters. So upgrading the bomb payloads should be second priority. Performance modules can be considered the least necessary.
 +
 
 +
===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. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
* Large bomb payload
 +
* Powerful air defence capabilities
 +
* Multiple engines
 +
* Overall heavily armoured
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
* Big target
 +
* Fairly Slow
 +
* Nose is extremely vulnerable for the pilot and crew
 +
* Vulnerable to German "Minengeschoße" and >20 mm gunfire
 +
* Engine fires are common
 +
* Wings are big and thus commonly torn off by gunfire
 +
* Aggressive turns may snap wings
 +
* All fuel tanks are located in the wings and are prone to catching fire and damaging/destroying wings
 +
 
 +
== 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
 +
Due to direct experience from U.S. Bomber crews in 1943, the B-17F revealed inadequate protection from head-on attacks by enemy fighters. To remedy this problem, a remote-controlled chin turret armed with two 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns was introduced on the final production block of Douglas-built B-17Fs, the B-17F-75-DL. This turret became standard on the B-17G, and proved to be more practical than manually operated guns initially fitted to the nose. The B-17G began delivery in September of 1943 and included various upgrades throughout its production. A total of 8,680 aircraft were built from three manufacturers until April of 1945. The B-17G could be considered the cornerstone of U.S. bombing efforts in the European theatre between 1944 and 1945.
 +
 
 +
=== In-game description ===
 +
"The Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress was the first American all-metal heavy bomber. The plane was designed in 1934 in response to a design competition for a coastal anti-ship bomber. A year later the Boeing-299 prototype was built, equipped with four 750-HP Pratt & Whitney engines. It was first flown on June 28 of that year. Subsequent variants used the 1,200 HP Wright Cyclone engines. Boeing factories began mass producing B-17 Flying Fortresses for the US Army Air Corps exactly 12 months later. Throughout the production run, Boeing produced 6,981 B-17s of various variants and an additional 5,745 were built by Lockheed and Douglas giving a total of 12,726 aircraft.
  
== Historical part ==
+
The B-17 quickly became legendary due to its ability to withstand battle damage and to bring hole-ridden aircraft home safely. Nine, and later twelve, Browning .50-cal machine guns offered formidable defensive fire coverage. Nevertheless, the aircraft was not without its faults. For example, the tendency to catch fire was never overcome. Another weakness was the lack of protection against head-on attacks; out of 27 pieces of armor, none protected the crew from the front. Firing a cannon or even a machine gun at the cockpit would find the crew completely unprotected. Another famous part of the B-17 was its highly advanced Norden bombsight, which allowed for effective bomb aiming even at high altitudes."
''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/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''Прекрасным дополнением к статье станут видеогайды, а также скриншоты из игры и фотографии.''
+
''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 the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{USA bombers}}

Revision as of 18:41, 4 November 2019

VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
B-17G-60-VE
b-17g.png
B-17G-60-VE
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American bomber B-17G-60-VE. For other uses, see B-17 (Family).

Description

GarageImage B-17G-60-VE.jpg


The B-17G-60-VE Flying Fortress is a Rank IV American bomber with a battle rating of 5.0 (AB), 5.3 (RB), and 6.3 (SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.

The B-17G Flying Fortress, as the name suggests, is intended to be used as a high-altitude level bomber, designed to target enemy airfields and military bases. Despite its large bomb-load, it is not recommended to target moving ground targets such as tank formations. This due to the inaccuracy of bombs being released at high altitude. When using the B-17G, it is always best to group up with others in a wedge-like formation for optimal defence. The higher you climb the harder of a target you will become. A few fighter escorts, such as a squadron of P-51 Mustangs would ensure the survival of friendly bombers. Survival is the utmost importance to be remembered when using this plane. While you may miss one target, you can always make another pass once you reload and repair.

General info

Flight Performance

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

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 7,680 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
491 476 11,156 37.5 38.2 2.2 2.2 600
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 7,680 m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
 ?  ? 11,156  ??.?  ??.?  ?.?  ?.?  ?

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flap
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
360 300 323 ~1 ~1
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 360 < 300 < 323 > 310
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
6,180 m 4,000 hp 4708 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 6.35 mm Steel - Lower nose armour plate
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Back of pilot and co-pilot's seats
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Dorsal turret gunner protective plate
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Radio operator protective plate
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Beam gunner protective armour x 2
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Tail gunner protective plate
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Ball turret
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Tail gunner rear window

Armaments

Suspended armament

Main article: Suspended armaments

The B-17G-60-VE can be outfitted with the following ordinance:

  • 8 x 500 lb bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 12 x 500 lb bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 6 x 1000 lb bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 8 x 1000 lb bombs (8,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 2000 lb bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 2000 lb bombs (8,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The B-17G-60-VE is defended by:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, tail turret, 575 RPG
  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, front dorsal turret, 500 RPG
  • 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, rear dorsal turret, 500 RPG
  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, ventral turret, 500 RPG
  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, chin turret, 400 RPG
  • 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turret, 600 RPG
  • 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x cheek turret, 300 RPG

Usage in battles

When facing fighters and interceptors in Realistic Battles, it is best to use Omni-purpose or Armour-piercing/Ground Target ammunition belts for the 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns. These ammunition belts are effective at tearing through the engine block and hopefully resulting in an internal engine fire. You may be also able to score a pilot kill on your opponent.

Specific enemies worth noting

B-17s are notoriously hard to kill when compared to similar Soviet and German bombers. However, with the B-17 the best defence is to evade your opponent altogether. Your worst enemies will be almost all fighters due to the high BR (FW-190 D, Ta-152, BF-109 G-10/K-4, F8F-1B, Tempest, etc.). Most fighters will have 2-4 cannons which can still make short work of the B-17.

B-17G dropping bombs in Europe

NOTE: The weakest area of approach with the B-17G is the front. Only 1-2 MGs can be focused directly forward if a fighter head-ons you. The crew is also focused at the nose. If there is a fighter at your level, try to turn and expose the tail "barb". Diving may work as well. However, diving can put you into more danger as more fighters may swarm you.

Counter-tactics

When climbing to fight the B-17, you will most likely have a lower energy level depending on the plane you use. The F8F-1B, for example, has extremely good acceleration with WEP and can climb ridiculously quickly as well. If in a plane such as an F8F-1B, attempt to head on the B-17 as this is the weakest point. If the B-17 turns away, climb and chase the Flying Fortress at a higher altitude and then dive on it from an angle. Always avoid tailing a B-17, regardless of model. This just warrants a knocked-out pilot or fire.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not controllable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Protective vest Turret 12 mm LBC-17
II Compressor Airframe SBC-17
III Wings repair Engine New 12 mm MGs (turret) MBC-17
IV Engine Injection Cover M10 bomb rack

This slow and lumbering heavy bomber relies entirely on its turrets for defence. Without it, the plane is target practice. Thus "Protective vests" should be the first unlock. Further survivability upgrades will make the fight easier, but do not think it will successfully face-off against enemy fighters. So upgrading the bomb payloads should be second priority. Performance modules can be considered the least necessary.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Large bomb payload
  • Powerful air defence capabilities
  • Multiple engines
  • Overall heavily armoured

Cons:

  • Big target
  • Fairly Slow
  • Nose is extremely vulnerable for the pilot and crew
  • Vulnerable to German "Minengeschoße" and >20 mm gunfire
  • Engine fires are common
  • Wings are big and thus commonly torn off by gunfire
  • Aggressive turns may snap wings
  • All fuel tanks are located in the wings and are prone to catching fire and damaging/destroying wings

History

Due to direct experience from U.S. Bomber crews in 1943, the B-17F revealed inadequate protection from head-on attacks by enemy fighters. To remedy this problem, a remote-controlled chin turret armed with two 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns was introduced on the final production block of Douglas-built B-17Fs, the B-17F-75-DL. This turret became standard on the B-17G, and proved to be more practical than manually operated guns initially fitted to the nose. The B-17G began delivery in September of 1943 and included various upgrades throughout its production. A total of 8,680 aircraft were built from three manufacturers until April of 1945. The B-17G could be considered the cornerstone of U.S. bombing efforts in the European theatre between 1944 and 1945.

In-game description

"The Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress was the first American all-metal heavy bomber. The plane was designed in 1934 in response to a design competition for a coastal anti-ship bomber. A year later the Boeing-299 prototype was built, equipped with four 750-HP Pratt & Whitney engines. It was first flown on June 28 of that year. Subsequent variants used the 1,200 HP Wright Cyclone engines. Boeing factories began mass producing B-17 Flying Fortresses for the US Army Air Corps exactly 12 months later. Throughout the production run, Boeing produced 6,981 B-17s of various variants and an additional 5,745 were built by Lockheed and Douglas giving a total of 12,726 aircraft.

The B-17 quickly became legendary due to its ability to withstand battle damage and to bring hole-ridden aircraft home safely. Nine, and later twelve, Browning .50-cal machine guns offered formidable defensive fire coverage. Nevertheless, the aircraft was not without its faults. For example, the tendency to catch fire was never overcome. Another weakness was the lack of protection against head-on attacks; out of 27 pieces of armor, none protected the crew from the front. Firing a cannon or even a machine gun at the cockpit would find the crew completely unprotected. Another famous part of the B-17 was its highly advanced Norden bombsight, which allowed for effective bomb aiming even at high altitudes."

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.


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"