Posted on 05/17/2018 12:04:32 PM PDT by DFG
A legendary Second World War bomber is set to go on display for the first time after being restored at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio.
The B-17 'Flying Fortress' known as Memphis Belle was introduced as the anchor of an extensive exhibit in the Dayton-area museum's war gallery.
The Memphis Belle has spent the last dozen years or so undergoing a piece-by-piece rehabilitation, from the clear plastic nose cone down to the twin .50-caliber machine guns mounted in the tail.
The plane, known for its risque nose paintings featuring a pin-up girl, was celebrated for being the first bomber to survive 25 missions over occupied Europe and return to the US in 1943.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Thanks. Hubby just joined the 446th Bomb group and there was a reunion last month in San Antonio. It was a great experience.
Andy Rooney told of a bomber that had it's landing gear shot up so bad it wouldn't deploy. They also couldn't get their ball turret gunner out. He just said it was "awful" but you can imagine the poor guy was just a red smear on the runway.
That being said, it has since been called an Urban Legend by historians. "Amazing Stories" had an episode called "The Mission" about a similar situation, but had a happier ending.
here's a pic of a guy getting into one during a flight in 2015.
The crews of those planes must have clanked when they walked.
“He just said it was “awful” but you can imagine the poor guy was just a red smear on the runway.”
Yes, a 20mm is pretty harsh on the human body.
The stars are supposed to be when the plane was lead mission, group lead, etc. Different colors. It is suspected that there was some embellishment before the aircraft went on tour.
“Bob Morgan, the Memphis Belle pilot, was from Asheville, NC.
If he could see what his once bucolic town has become he’d probably want to bomb it.”
So would I ....Assville.
I have a signed/numbered lithograph fo the Belle in flight and Franklin Mint Die cast . not sure of the scale but almost 1 20” wingspan. The Sentimental Journey was a great ride,
Another B-17 that’s in flying condition is EAA’s Aluminum Overcast.
https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/flight-experiences/aluminum-overcast-eaa-b-17-bomber-tour
Oh, you are in for a treat. Be prepared to stay ALL Day, wear comfy shoes and pace yourself. That place is HUGE and full of hidden gems. Don’t rush it, take breaks and stay hydrated.
My father was an aircraft/rocket designer. He said back then, “If it looked good, it flew well.”
Spitfire. Mustang. Mosquito. Fortress. All are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
The B-17F had a sleeker nose than earlier E. G ruined it, and slowed it down while hurting handling. The frontal assaults - which included suicidal Rammkomandos - necessitated power turret.
Before the end of WWII, there was an experimental model with an integral power nose turret firing the new .60 gun, with a recessed bombardier window. It actua!ly looked much like the original YB-17 and early pre-war models. War’s end killed development.
An encounter with ANY B-17 is a joy and a privilege.
I’m glad you enjoyed yourself regardless of the provenance of the plane.
I took my Dad to our local air show many years ago. His Dad (my Grandfather) was a waist gunner in the 8th Air Force.
I knew the warbirds would be arriving late Friday morning, so I surprised him with a visit.
My Dad had never seen a B-17 up close. As soon as it landed, we ran to climb aboard. My Dad stood where his Dad did his business, just looking out of the opening. There was a tear in his eyes.
Dad passed away three years ago. I will never forget that day.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.