In effect, the B-17G was the B-17F with the powered Bedinx chin turret fitted under the nose section. Design modifications included the Minneapolis-Honeywell electric turbo-supercharger regulators allowing manifold pressure, or boost, to be controlled by one control knob for all four engines. the pilot no longer had to worry about over-revving turbines or having to constantly tweak power controls to stop oil in regulator lines becoming sluggish. Another major difference was that the waist gunners were given anenclosure that protected them from the icy temperatures of high altitude with the position of the guns staggered to give them more room to manoeuvre. The tail gun position was also improved allowing a wider field of fire, a reflector sight, and hand held guns.
However, the new model B-17 also experienced its own operating difficulties. When fired at maximum elevation, the chin turret guns had a tendency to crack the plexiglass nose; a problem was solved by fitting blast barrels to each gun. The oil cooler regulator often failed to operate and could result in complete engine seizure. The ability to feather the propeller blades, in event of engine failture, was lost in the B-17G because the standpipe that held back sufficient oil to work the feathering tank was sacrificed in the quest for a lighter aircraft. This was a major design error and meant that, by the winter of 1943, the lack of feathering was a major reason for bomber loss. Urgent request were made by Groups for special modifications kits but it was only in September 1944 that B-17G’s arrived with these modifications built-in.
Fatal Error
Another serious problem on the B-17G was the lack of an engine fire extinguisher system. Designers had believed that it was ineffective so had left it out of the new model. In reality, the system had worked well and it was requested by Bomber Groups that it be re-introduced as soon as possible.
The B-17G was still tail heavy with the same centre of gravity problems as earlier models. However, by May 1944, when long-range fighter esort was effective defensive protection, gunners were not as busy as before and it was decided that one waist gunner be dispensed with. The radio romm gun, the least used in action, was got also rid of and the quanity of ammunition carried reduced. All these measures brought the centre of gravity nearer th a more acceptable position. In the las month of the war, when there was little enemy fighter activity, some Combat Wings flew without waist guns, ball turrets or chin turrets. Operational reports revealed an estimated 25mph increase in airspeed with the improved streamlining. In this period of the war flak batteries were a greater hazard than fighters and unneccesary gunner armor plate was removed to be replaced with laminated steel and canvas plates called “flak curtains”.
In total, the 8th Air Force received 6,500 B-17G’s. In March 1945, it could send 2,370 of them into combat operations. At the end of the war a total 1,301 B-17G’s had been shot down or reported missing in action.
Delivered Cheyenne 9/6/44; Kearney 21/6/44; Dow Fd 11/7/44; Assigned 834BS/486BG [2S-H] Sudbury 14/7/44; {69m} force landed Belgium, 21/4/45 with ? ; Returned to the USA Bradley 9/7/45; 4168 Base Unit, South Plains, Texas 10/7/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Kingman 22/11/45.
Delivered Cheyenne 2/11/43; Kingman 15/11/43; 3018 BU Kingman 23/3/45; 3017 BU Hobbs 25/6/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Walnut Ridge 5/1/46.
Delivered Denver 7/10/43; Las Vegas 24/10/43; 3021 BU Las Vegas 8/10/43; with Harrison Dukes force landed base 5/9/44; 2126 BU Laredo 31/3/45; 4136 BU Tinker 26/8/45; 2126 BU Laredo 1/9/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Walnut Ridge 4/1/46.
Delivered Hunter 30/9/44; Dow Fd 15/10/44; Assigned 92BG Podington 19/10/44 MORALE; transferred 750BS/457BG [S] Glatton 6/11/44; Returned to the USA Bradley 9/6/45; 4168 Base Unit, South Plains, Texas 12/6/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Kingman 20/12/45. MORALE.
Delivered Cheyenne 27/10/43; Assigned 613BS/401BG [IN-B] Deenethorpe 14/1/44; Missing in Action Poix, Fr. 13/3/44 with George Hellmuth, Jim Hannon, Bob Wagner, Gordon Brandt, Francis Allen (5 Killed in Action); Ray Gipson, Jim Coventry, Jim Bailey, Royce Moore, Mike Devito (5 Prisoner of War); flak, crashed St Quentin; Missing Air Crew Report 3185.
Delivered Cheyenne 13/6/44; Kearney 25/6/44; Grenier 6/7/44; Assigned: 547BS/384BG [SO-G] Grafton Underwood 23/7/44; battle damage Nurnberg 3/10/44 Pilot: ‘; forced landing Belgium. ium, Salvaged. 14/11/44. PARKER’S MADHOUSE (Remains found on farm at Tremelo, near Brussels, and most cleared away by scrapmen. However the tailplane was used on the farm for about 60 years and is now a project for restoration Belgian Aviation History Society).
Do you like this website about the B-17 Flying Fortress? I could help you find the information you are looking for? I would be very pleased if you would support my work with PayPal Me!