Bill had an opportunity to see and tour a Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress when it visit the Hondo, TX Air Field. It is one of two owned by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), headquartered in Midland, TX. This aircraft is based in Houston, TX and is maintained by the Gulf Coast Wing of CAF.
The CAF is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501-c-3 organization, receiving no federal or state funds. This aircraft is flyable through contributions and the dedication of an all-volunteer crew.
Although this B-17 never saw combat, it was modified as the first AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System ) aircraft. It took off from New Jersey on August 15, 1945, the day hostilities ceased, headed for the Western Pacific to be the lead aircraft (because of it’s 500 mile radar range) for the invasion of Japan.
The B-17 proudly served with the Navy as a PB1W patrol and air/sea rescue plane and later with the Aero Services division of Litton Corporation in seismic exploration and photographic mapping before it was purchased by the CAF for $50,000 in 1967.
In all 12,371 B-17’s were built in 7 models. There are approximately 12 B-17;s still flying and 47 known aircraft hulls in existence.
Each model had up to 12 guns.
A typical bomb load was 6,000 lbs for long missions but she could carry a 17,600 lb. bomb load for short missions.
“Texas Raiders” is painted in the marking of the 381st Bomb Group, 533rd Bomb Squadron.
The triangle on the tail signifies the First Air Division of the 8th Air Force. The “L” identifies the 381st Bomb Group and the “VP'” identifies the 533rd Squadron. The “X” is the individual aircraft marking.
Bill was really happy to be able to see this plane, up close and personal. He loves all things military, especially airplanes.
Just Us Kids…….checking out history!
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