Building the B-17 Flying Fortress: A Detailed Look at Manufacturing Boeing’s Legendary World War II Bomber in Original Photos

This new book reveals rare original photos and full manufacturing details of Americas greatest multi-engine combat aircraft flown in World War II. Contents cover building the Flying Fortress from wingtip to wingtip and from the bombardiers Perspex nose to the tail-gunners twin-Browning cannons. Significant aspects of B-17 production include exterior views of each model variant from various angles all crew stations in each B-17 type (including the entire flight deck) defensive gun turrets used in every B-17 model fuselage interiors exteriors engines nacelles and even control surfaces. Factory-original color cutaway drawings as well as reproductions of original specifications sheets and other information-packed documents created by manufacturers during the 1940s are also included for the reader. As a research asset the books appendices feature a detailed survey of every production block of the 12 731 B-17 bombers produced during the war in an unbelievable time span of only three-and-a-half year–an industrial phenomenon unlike any the world had ever seen. What sets this book apart from all others in the crowded B-17 field is literally hundreds of factory-original close-up detailed photographs and illustrations accompanied by comprehensive high-resolution reproductions of original Boeing drawings and all are explained in detailed yet easy to understand descriptive text. This book provides valuable data for the serious Boeing B-17 aficionado as well as a compelling story of Americas aircraft manufacturing prowess for the dedicated aviation enthusiast.