Difference between revisions of "B-17E (Japan)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=b-17e_japan}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
|about=premium Japanese bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
|about=premium Japanese bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
|usage=other versions
 
|usage=other versions
 
|link=B-17 (Family)
 
|link=B-17 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=b-17e_japan
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should 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, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should 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, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_B-17E_Japan.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', most likely '''B-17E 41-2471''', was one of the few B-17 (D/E) Flying Fortresses that the Japanese captured during World War II, mostly from the Philippines and Java. They repaired and tested some of them. The crew of the B-17E 41-2471, which belonged to the 7th Bomb Group of the USAAF, abandoned it after a crash landing on February 8, 1942, at Djokjakarta, Java. The Japanese found it mostly intact and repaired it with parts from other damaged B-17Es. They flew it to Tachikawa Airfield near Tokyo, where they used it for research and training purposes. The B-17's final fate is unknown, but it was probably destroyed by Allied bombing raids or scrapped after the war.
−
{{Break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]].
 
  
−
The B-17E Flying Fortress, as the name suggests, is intended to be used as a high-altitude level bomber, designed to target enemy airfields, military bases, factories, and other infrastructure crucial to winning the war. Despite its large bomb-load, it is not recommended to target moving ground targets, such as tank formations, unless they are the only targets. This is because of the inaccuracy of the bombs at such high altitude, and since columns will simply disperse when they sight bombs falling. When using the B-17E, it is always best to group up with others in a wedge-like formation for optimal defense against air targets and climb to an altitude of, at least, 4,000 m. A few fighter escorts, would ensure the survival of friendly bombers, only if they adopt fighter-sweep tactics to hunt down enemy fighters converging on the formation.
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]]. The B-17E Flying Fortress, as the name suggests, is intended to be used as a high-altitude level bomber, designed to target enemy airfields, military bases, factories, and other infrastructure crucial to winning the war. Despite its large bomb-load, it is not recommended to target moving ground targets, such as tank formations, unless they are the only targets. This is because of the inaccuracy of the bombs at such high altitude, and since columns will simply disperse when they sight bombs falling. When using the B-17E, it is always best to group up with others in a wedge-like formation for optimal defense against air targets and climb to an altitude of, at least, 4,000 m. A few fighter escorts, would ensure the survival of friendly bombers, only if they adopt fighter-sweep tactics to hunt down enemy fighters converging on the formation.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 400 || 400 || 249 || ~2 || ~1
+
| 516 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 383 || 361 || 249 || ~3 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
| < 330 || < 310 || < 270 || > 300
 
| < 330 || < 310 || < 270 || > 300
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| 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 || 4,000 hp || 4,708 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and 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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
Line 95: Line 84:
 
* 6.35 mm Steel plates in front of tail gunner
 
* 6.35 mm Steel plates in front of tail gunner
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}
 
{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}
Line 108: Line 102:
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
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When facing German fighters and interceptors in realistic battles', it is best to use Omni-purpose or Armour-piercing/Ground Targets ammunition belts for the Browning M2 .50 cal turret machine guns, which is likely to punch through their noses when tailing the B-17E. These ammunition belts are effective at tearing through the engine block of a [[Fw_190_D-9|Focke-Wulf Fw 190D]] or [[Bf_109_G-6|Messerschmitt Bf 109G]], hopefully resulting in an internal engine fire, a pilot snipe, or an inoperable engine for the opponent.
 
When facing German fighters and interceptors in realistic battles', it is best to use Omni-purpose or Armour-piercing/Ground Targets ammunition belts for the Browning M2 .50 cal turret machine guns, which is likely to punch through their noses when tailing the B-17E. These ammunition belts are effective at tearing through the engine block of a [[Fw_190_D-9|Focke-Wulf Fw 190D]] or [[Bf_109_G-6|Messerschmitt Bf 109G]], hopefully resulting in an internal engine fire, a pilot snipe, or an inoperable engine for the opponent.
 +
 +
In Simulator mode, the Japanese B-17E offers the same playstyle as the American B-17E with a few special caveats. There are no markers so the Japanese B-17 may be ignored by enemy Allied fighters if they don't look too close, since it is a Flying Fortress. With limited visibility in their cockpit and the light shining their way, it can be difficult to see your Hinomaru roundels. This is a double-edged sword, however. Because as a B-17, you may find yourself under fire by friendly Axis fighters who don't see that you're a friendly plane. It is recommended to tell your team what and where you are so you don't find yourself on the business end of a Ki-84.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>1 gear || Auto controlled
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable<br>1 gear || Auto controlled
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Turret 7 mm
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 
−
| SBC-17
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Turret 12 mm
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 12 mm MGs (turret)
 
−
| MBC-17
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* Can quite often return to base with extensive damage
 
* Can quite often return to base with extensive damage
 
* Pilot and co-pilot, if one of them is knocked out, the B-17E can keep flying
 
* Pilot and co-pilot, if one of them is knocked out, the B-17E can keep flying
 +
* May be ignored by enemy Allied aircraft and SPAA in Sim
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Wings are big and thus commonly torn off by gunfire
 
* Wings are big and thus commonly torn off by gunfire
 
* Nose protection is extremely limited, try to avoid frontal attacks as much as possible
 
* Nose protection is extremely limited, try to avoid frontal attacks as much as possible
 +
* May attract friendly fire from friendly aircraft and SPAA in Sim
 +
* No 2000 lb Bombs like the American counterpart
  
 
== History ==
 
== 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 long, 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 long, 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
In WW2 the Japanese army captured crashed B-17s in the Philippines and Netherlands East Indies. They were tested by the IJAAF Koku Gijutsu Kenkyujo (Air Technical Research Laboratory) at Tachikawa. Little is known about these B-17s, but their historical photographs are valuable to telling the story of the bombers.
+
[[File:Japanese captured B-17D.jpg|alt=Japanese captured B-17D in the air on its way to the home islands. Picture taken from the ground looking up as it passes overhead.|thumb|250px|Captured B-17D on its way to the Japanese home islands]]
 +
After the successful invasion of the Philippines, a team of Japanese engineers from the IJAAS "Koku Gijutsu Kenkyujo" (Army Aviation Technical Research Institute) discovered multiple B-17 wrecks at Clark Field. Salvaging parts from the various wrecks, the engineers managed to piece together a working B-17D, which was flown back to the Japanese home islands in early 1942 for evaluation.
 +
 
 +
The Japanese soon captured Madioen Field, Java, in March. There, they found multiple B-17E wrecks in repairable condition. Eager to get their hands on a working aircraft, Japanese engineers used the piles of spare parts and captured Allied mechanics to rebuild the B-17s. In early 1943, two rebuilt B-17Es took to the air. Through Singapore, the aircraft flew to the home islands escorted by a fighter squadron and a Nakajima L2D transport, the license-produced DC-3. They were careful to alert AAA gunners along the route so they did not get shot down. The squadron arrived safely in the home islands at Tachikawa airfield in mid-1943.
 +
[[File:Captured Japanese B-17s over mount Fuji.jpg|alt=Two Japanese captured B-17Es and one B-17D flying in front of Mount Fuji.|thumb|Squadron of captured B-17s over Mount Fuji]]
 +
 
 +
Aeronautical engineer Major Kazuyuki Saito and his team of engineers and test pilots oversaw evaluation of the American bombers. Since the Japanese had also obtained complete instruction manuals, every component of the B-17 was thoroughly examined and evaluated. Japanese aeronautical engineers such as Mitsubishi engineer Hisanojo Ozawa, dismissed the B-17E as "merely modifications made to an old design" and so the technological systems were deemed more important than the aircraft itself. Of special interest was the famous Norden bombsight, the automatic flight control system, the engine turbochargers and the Sperry Automatic Computing Gunsight. Despite the lack of strategic materials, the Japanese would try to copy what they could to improve their designs.
 +
 
 +
The IJAAS would implement turbochargers in various aircraft such as the [[Ki-83]] and the [[Ki-87]], while the IJNAS (Navy) would use an improved bombsight and an advanced fire-control system in the [[G8N1]] Renzan.
 +
[[File:B-17 Japan, CW-21B, and SNC-1.jpg|alt=Captured B-17E on the ground on display with a captured CW-21B fighter and SNC-1 trainer|thumb|Captured B-17E displayed with a captured CW-21B and an SNC-1]]
 +
 
 +
The B-17s were frequently repainted with American colors and featured in Japanese war films, sometimes with a captured P-40E as escort.
 +
 
 +
After a photographic reconnaissance flight over the Tachikawa facility, American intelligence spotted an unknown Japanese four-engined bomber or transport by the runway. It was dubbed the "Tachikawa 104" as they estimated its wingspan was about 104 feet. This estimate was actually really accurate, as the aircraft that they spotted was in fact one of the captured B-17s. (B-17s had a wingspan of 103 feet and 9 inches)<ref>Dwyer, L., 2018. ''Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress''. [online] Aviation-history.com. Available at: http://www.aviation-history.com/boeing/b17.html [Accessed 6 July 2021].</ref>. American intelligence did not realize that fact until after the war.
 +
 
 +
During takeoff for a flight from Fussa in early 1944, one of the B-17Es was caught in a surprise crosswind and its right wing collided with a [[Ki-49 (Family)|Ki-49]] on the ground. It was damaged beyond repair and was never flown again. The second B-17 was photographed around the same location but later disappeared, and it is possible that the third B-17 was destroyed in the tragic hangar fire at Tokorazawa Airfield.<ref>''Japanese B-17 Squadron''. 2019. [video] Directed by M. Felton. Youtube: Mark Felton Productions.</ref>
 +
 
 +
The postwar records of military vehicles discovered during the Allied Occupation of Japan do not mention finding captured B-17s, nor do they have any existing photographs of them from that period. Where the aircraft ended up after the war's end is a mystery.<ref>Mikesh, R., 2010. ''The Suprising Story of Japan's B-17 Fleet''. [online] HistoryNet. Available at: https://www.historynet.com/japans-fleet-flying-forts.htm [Accessed 7 July 2021].</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=b-17e_japan Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|JR-Yx4DojKg|'''Japanese B-17 Squadron''' - ''Mark Felton Productions''}}
  
 
== See 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
 +
* [[B-17 (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== 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;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/666|[Devblog] Boeing B-17E]]
 +
* [https://www.historynet.com/japans-fleet-flying-forts.htm <nowiki>[Historynet]</nowiki> The Suprising Story of Japan's B-17 Fleet]
 +
 
 +
=== References ===
 +
<references />
 +
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Boeing}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Boeing}}
 
{{Japan bombers}}
 
{{Japan bombers}}
 
{{Japan premium aircraft}}
 
{{Japan premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 10:24, 12 April 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the premium Japanese bomber B-17E (Japan). For other versions, see B-17 (Family).
▅B-17E
b-17e_japan.png
GarageImage B-17E (Japan).jpg
▅B-17E
Japan flag.png Japan
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.7 4.7 5.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:4 900 Specs-Card-Eagle.png

Description

The ▅B-17E Flying Fortress, most likely B-17E 41-2471, was one of the few B-17 (D/E) Flying Fortresses that the Japanese captured during World War II, mostly from the Philippines and Java. They repaired and tested some of them. The crew of the B-17E 41-2471, which belonged to the 7th Bomb Group of the USAAF, abandoned it after a crash landing on February 8, 1942, at Djokjakarta, Java. The Japanese found it mostly intact and repaired it with parts from other damaged B-17Es. They flew it to Tachikawa Airfield near Tokyo, where they used it for research and training purposes. The B-17's final fate is unknown, but it was probably destroyed by Allied bombing raids or scrapped after the war.

It was introduced in Update 1.43. The B-17E Flying Fortress, as the name suggests, is intended to be used as a high-altitude level bomber, designed to target enemy airfields, military bases, factories, and other infrastructure crucial to winning the war. Despite its large bomb-load, it is not recommended to target moving ground targets, such as tank formations, unless they are the only targets. This is because of the inaccuracy of the bombs at such high altitude, and since columns will simply disperse when they sight bombs falling. When using the B-17E, it is always best to group up with others in a wedge-like formation for optimal defense against air targets and climb to an altitude of, at least, 4,000 m. A few fighter escorts, would ensure the survival of friendly bombers, only if they adopt fighter-sweep tactics to hunt down enemy fighters converging on the formation.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 7 680 m510 km/h
Turn time36 s
Max altitude11 156 m
Engine4 х Wright R-1820-65
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight31 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,680 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 497 483 11156 36.9 37.9 5.8 5.6 600
Upgraded 523 510 35.1 36.0 8.7 7.2

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
516 290 383 361 249 ~3 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 330 < 310 < 270 > 300

Survivability and armour

Crew9 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear290 km/h
  • 6.35 mm Steel plate behind nose gunner
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates behind pilots
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates behind dorsal gunners
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates in front of beam gunners
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates in front of tail gunner
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 800 Sl icon.png
RB4 277 Sl icon.png
SB8 291 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts290 000 Sl icon.png
Aces940 Ge icon.png
Research Aces960 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 110 / 270 / 500 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods ammo.png
bmg30_turret_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg30_turret_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC-17
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_turret_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg50_turret_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC-17

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 18 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Setup 212 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Setup 36 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb
Main articles: AN-M64A1 (500 lb), AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)

The B-17E (Japan) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 8 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 12 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 6 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (6,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

3 х Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Turret12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
2 х Turret12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Turret7.62 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Main articles: M2 Browning (12.7 mm), Browning (7.62 mm)

The B-17E (Japan) is defended by:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, front dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, rear dorsal turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (400 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose turret (500 rpg)

Usage in battles

Generally, the plane's role should not diverge from this norm, as it is ineffective and costly as a low altitude bomber. Survival is an utmost importance to be remembered when using this plane. While one target may be missed, there will always be another opportunity to make another pass once reloaded and repaired. The few M2 machine guns in the nose cannot protect the most vulnerable part of any B-17 - the nose. Protected only by a layer of Plexiglas and almost no armour (excluding the frontal bulkhead, which only covers the pilot/co-pilot's torso), most of the crew critical in the success of the mission, including the pilot, co-pilot, bombardier and navigator would be knocked-out instantly. If targeted by German cannons, most notably, the Mk 108. Just a burst of 30 mm MK 108 placed anywhere on the aircraft , would compromise the crew's survival and even the aircraft's structural integrity.

When facing German fighters and interceptors in realistic battles', it is best to use Omni-purpose or Armour-piercing/Ground Targets ammunition belts for the Browning M2 .50 cal turret machine guns, which is likely to punch through their noses when tailing the B-17E. These ammunition belts are effective at tearing through the engine block of a Focke-Wulf Fw 190D or Messerschmitt Bf 109G, hopefully resulting in an internal engine fire, a pilot snipe, or an inoperable engine for the opponent.

In Simulator mode, the Japanese B-17E offers the same playstyle as the American B-17E with a few special caveats. There are no markers so the Japanese B-17 may be ignored by enemy Allied fighters if they don't look too close, since it is a Flying Fortress. With limited visibility in their cockpit and the light shining their way, it can be difficult to see your Hinomaru roundels. This is a double-edged sword, however. Because as a B-17, you may find yourself under fire by friendly Axis fighters who don't see that you're a friendly plane. It is recommended to tell your team what and where you are so you don't find yourself on the business end of a Ki-84.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Combined Controllable
1 gear 		Auto controlled

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Large payload
  • Powerful air defense capabilities
  • Multiple engines, can fly on one if necessary (But with a great loss in altitude and speed)
  • Rugged design allows for soaking up damage
  • Mostly unaffected by light machine gun fire, and to an extent, heavy machine guns
  • Good speed for a bomber of its peers
  • Multiple turrets covering almost all angles
  • Can quite often return to base with extensive damage
  • Pilot and co-pilot, if one of them is knocked out, the B-17E can keep flying
  • May be ignored by enemy Allied aircraft and SPAA in Sim

Cons:

  • Big target
  • Fairly Slow
  • Nose is extremely vulnerable, the only armour on the front is the front bulkhead, covering only the pilot and copilot's torso
  • Vulnerable to German "Minengeschoß" and > 20 mm gunfire
  • Engine fires are common
  • Wings are big and thus commonly torn off by gunfire
  • Nose protection is extremely limited, try to avoid frontal attacks as much as possible
  • May attract friendly fire from friendly aircraft and SPAA in Sim
  • No 2000 lb Bombs like the American counterpart

History

Japanese captured B-17D in the air on its way to the home islands. Picture taken from the ground looking up as it passes overhead.
Captured B-17D on its way to the Japanese home islands

After the successful invasion of the Philippines, a team of Japanese engineers from the IJAAS "Koku Gijutsu Kenkyujo" (Army Aviation Technical Research Institute) discovered multiple B-17 wrecks at Clark Field. Salvaging parts from the various wrecks, the engineers managed to piece together a working B-17D, which was flown back to the Japanese home islands in early 1942 for evaluation.

The Japanese soon captured Madioen Field, Java, in March. There, they found multiple B-17E wrecks in repairable condition. Eager to get their hands on a working aircraft, Japanese engineers used the piles of spare parts and captured Allied mechanics to rebuild the B-17s. In early 1943, two rebuilt B-17Es took to the air. Through Singapore, the aircraft flew to the home islands escorted by a fighter squadron and a Nakajima L2D transport, the license-produced DC-3. They were careful to alert AAA gunners along the route so they did not get shot down. The squadron arrived safely in the home islands at Tachikawa airfield in mid-1943.

Two Japanese captured B-17Es and one B-17D flying in front of Mount Fuji.
Squadron of captured B-17s over Mount Fuji

Aeronautical engineer Major Kazuyuki Saito and his team of engineers and test pilots oversaw evaluation of the American bombers. Since the Japanese had also obtained complete instruction manuals, every component of the B-17 was thoroughly examined and evaluated. Japanese aeronautical engineers such as Mitsubishi engineer Hisanojo Ozawa, dismissed the B-17E as "merely modifications made to an old design" and so the technological systems were deemed more important than the aircraft itself. Of special interest was the famous Norden bombsight, the automatic flight control system, the engine turbochargers and the Sperry Automatic Computing Gunsight. Despite the lack of strategic materials, the Japanese would try to copy what they could to improve their designs.

The IJAAS would implement turbochargers in various aircraft such as the Ki-83 and the Ki-87, while the IJNAS (Navy) would use an improved bombsight and an advanced fire-control system in the G8N1 Renzan.

Captured B-17E on the ground on display with a captured CW-21B fighter and SNC-1 trainer
Captured B-17E displayed with a captured CW-21B and an SNC-1

The B-17s were frequently repainted with American colors and featured in Japanese war films, sometimes with a captured P-40E as escort.

After a photographic reconnaissance flight over the Tachikawa facility, American intelligence spotted an unknown Japanese four-engined bomber or transport by the runway. It was dubbed the "Tachikawa 104" as they estimated its wingspan was about 104 feet. This estimate was actually really accurate, as the aircraft that they spotted was in fact one of the captured B-17s. (B-17s had a wingspan of 103 feet and 9 inches)[1]. American intelligence did not realize that fact until after the war.

During takeoff for a flight from Fussa in early 1944, one of the B-17Es was caught in a surprise crosswind and its right wing collided with a Ki-49 on the ground. It was damaged beyond repair and was never flown again. The second B-17 was photographed around the same location but later disappeared, and it is possible that the third B-17 was destroyed in the tragic hangar fire at Tokorazawa Airfield.[2]

The postwar records of military vehicles discovered during the Allied Occupation of Japan do not mention finding captured B-17s, nor do they have any existing photographs of them from that period. Where the aircraft ended up after the war's end is a mystery.[3]

Media

Skins
Videos
Japanese B-17 Squadron - Mark Felton Productions

See also

Related development

External links

References

  1. ↑ Dwyer, L., 2018. Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. [online] Aviation-history.com. Available at: http://www.aviation-history.com/boeing/b17.html [Accessed 6 July 2021].
  2. ↑ Japanese B-17 Squadron. 2019. [video] Directed by M. Felton. Youtube: Mark Felton Productions.
  3. ↑ Mikesh, R., 2010. The Suprising Story of Japan's B-17 Fleet. [online] HistoryNet. Available at: https://www.historynet.com/japans-fleet-flying-forts.htm [Accessed 7 July 2021].


Boeing Aircraft
Aircraft 
Fighters  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
Bombers  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE
  B-29A-BN
Export  P-26A-34 · B-17G
Captured  ▅B-17E
Helicopters 
Attack  AH-64A · AH-64D
Export / Licensed  AH-64A (GR) · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A Peten · ▅AH-64DJP · ▄AH Mk.1 · AHS
See Also  Tupolev Design Bureau · Westland Helicopters · Fuji Heavy Industries
  For Boeing-built ships, see Boeing Marine Branch

Japan bombers
Navy 
Carrier-based attack bomber 
B5N  B5N2
B6N  B6N1 · B6N2 · B6N2a
B7A  B7A2 · B7A2 (Homare 23)
Carrier-based dive bomber 
D3A  D3A1
D4Y  D4Y1 · D4Y2 · D4Y3 Ko
Shipboard Observation seaplane 
F1M  F1M2
Land-based Attack bomber 
G4M  G4M1
G5N  G5N1
G8N  G8N1
Flying boat 
H6K  H6K4
H8K  H8K2 · H8K3
Land-based Bomber 
P1Y  P1Y1
Army 
Light  Ki-32
  Ki-48-II otsu
Heavy  Ki-21-Ia · Ki-21-I hei
  Ki-49-I · Ki-49-IIa · Ki-49-IIb · Ki-49-IIb/L
  Ki-67-I Ko · Ki-67-I otsu
Other countries  ▅B-17E

Japan premium aircraft
Fighters  Hagiri's A5M4 · A7He1 · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
  Ki-44-II otsu · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅F4U-1A · Ki-100-II · Ki-44-I 34
  ▅Fw 190 A-5 · A7M1 (NK9H) · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · ▅P-51C-11-NT
  J2M4 Kai · A6M5 Ko · A6M6c · J2M5 · Ki-87 · J6K1
Twin-engine fighters  Ki-96
Jet fighters  F-86F-40 JASDF▅ · T-2 Early · F-4EJ ADTW
Strike aircraft  ▄AV-8S
Bombers  Ki-21-I hei · Ki-48-II otsu · H8K3 · B7A2 (Homare 23) · ▅B-17E

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