Difference between revisions of "B-17G (Israel)"

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== 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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].
+
By 1948, B-17s were no longer in service with the USAF as bombers. And since the IAF was desperate to acquire any combat-worthy aircraft, they got their hands on 3 privately owned, unarmed units that were flown to Czechoslovakia and armed with 7.62 mm MGs, makeshift bomb sights and German bomb racks. The planes bombed several targets during their journey to Israel, and during the entire Arab-Israeli War of 1948, the 3 planes flew 200 sorties. After being used as radio transceivers during the Sinai War of 1956, they were finally fully decommissioned in 1958.
 +
 
 +
The B-17 was introduced along with the initial Israeli air tree in [[Update "Winged Lions"]]. At its BR, it's vulnerable to almost any plane, but especially those with air spawns or good climb rates. Planes like the Ta 152H, F8F-1B, and Bf 109s are common threats thanks to their good armament and climb capabilities. Like all strategic bombers, the B-17 is capable of destroying an entire base, however once spawned pilots should try to climb to more than 6000 m to be safe at least until the base is destroyed. When facing enemy planes, the weakest position is the front. Thus, when a dangerous enemy plane is detected, pilots should give the rear of the plane to the enemy to make shots harder.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 17: Line 19:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{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.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
As a strategic bomber, the B-17G is slow, and can't manoeuvre at all. 2G turns may cause the wings to rip off the fuselage. The acceleration is also lacking, alongside the climb rate, compared to similar Soviet or German bombers. Engines tend to overheat when WEP is used for too long, but they can be ran in WEP for most of the time with the right throttle control.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
Line 33: Line 35:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 532 || 510 || 34.9 || 36.0 || 7.5 || 4.6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 44: Line 46:
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| X || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 59: Line 61:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| 516 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 383 || 361 || 249 || ~2 || ~1
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || > ___
+
| < 330 || < 310 || < 270 || > 300
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 76: Line 78:
 
{{Specs-Avia-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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
 
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Lower nose armour plate
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Back of pilot and co-pilot's seats
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Dorsal turret gunner protective plate
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Radio operator protective plate
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Beam gunner protective armour x 2
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Tail gunner protective plate
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Ball turret
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Tail gunner rear window
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
This slow and lumbering heavy bomber relies entirely on its turrets for defence. Without it, the plane is target practice. Thus "Protective vests" should be the first unlock. Further survivability upgrades will make the fight easier, but do not think it will successfully face-off against enemy fighters. Upgrading the bomb payloads should be second priority. Performance modules can be considered the least necessary.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 90: Line 102:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 16 x 100 kg 100/50 kg G.P. bombs (1,600 kg total)
+
* 16 x 100/50 kg G.P. bombs (1,600 kg total)
−
* 8 x 250 kg 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (2,000 kg total)
+
* 8 x 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (2,000 kg total)
−
* 12 x 250 kg 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,000 kg total)
+
* 12 x 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,000 kg total)
−
* 6 x 500 kg 500/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,000 kg total)
+
* 6 x 500/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,000 kg total)
 +
 
 +
The best loadout of the B-17G for use against bases in ground RB and Sim is the '''12 x 250/50 kg G.P. bombs'''. Since this offers enough bombs to destroy several bases that may already be damaged without having to commit too many bombs in a single base like may happen with the '''6 x 500/50 kg G.P. bombs'''. However in ground RB this last loadout may be the best, since the bigger bombs offer less margin of error and compensate the lack of precision with more explosive range.
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
Line 99: Line 113:
 
<!-- ''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)}}
 
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
−
 
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
Line 109: Line 122:
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (600 rpg)
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (600 rpg)
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x nose turrets (300 rpg)
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x nose turrets (300 rpg)
 +
 +
The .50 cals on the B-17G may not be as effective as the 20 mm or 13 mm guns used in other bombers, but these guns can also be very good, since they have better range and most of the time better rate of fire. The best belt to use is the Universal belts, since this has the most amount of Armour Piercing Incendiary (AP-I) shots, that are very good at causing engine failure and have enough penetration to kill pilots with some lucky shots.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
 +
When facing fighters and interceptors in Realistic Battles, it is best to use Omni-purpose or Armour-piercing/Ground Target ammunition belts for the 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns. These ammunition belts are effective at tearing through the engine block and hopefully resulting in an internal engine fire. You may be also able to knock out a pilot.
 +
 
 +
'''Specific enemies worth noting'''
 +
 
 +
B-17s are notoriously hard to kill when compared to similar Soviet and German bombers. However, with the B-17 the best defence is to evade your opponent altogether. Your worst enemies will be almost all fighters due to the high BR (Fw 190 D, Ta-152, BF-109 G-10/K-4, F8F-1B, Tempest, etc.). Most fighters will have 2 to 4 cannons which can still make short work of the B-17.
 +
 
 +
The weakest area of approach with the B-17G is the front. Only 1-2 MGs can be focused directly forward if a fighter head-ons you. The crew is also focused at the nose. If there is a fighter at your level, try to turn and expose the tail "barb". Diving may work as well. However, diving can put you into more danger as more fighters may swarm you.
 +
 
 +
'''Counter-tactics'''
 +
 
 +
When climbing to fight the B-17, you will most likely have a lower energy level depending on the plane you use. The F8F-1B, for example, has extremely good acceleration with WEP and can climb ridiculously quickly as well. If in a plane such as an F8F-1B, attempt to head on the B-17 as this is the weakest point. If the B-17 turns away, climb and chase the Flying Fortress at a higher altitude and then dive on it from an angle. Always avoid tailing a B-17, regardless of model. This just warrants a knocked-out pilot or fire.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable<br>1 gear || Auto controlled
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Strong .50 cal gun placement to shoot down incoming fighters
 +
* Can be equipped with more than enough bombs to take out a base even in full uptiers
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Wings can rip easily in manoeuvres
 +
* Large size means a juicy target from higher-calibre shells
 +
* Slower speed compared to equivalent German bombers
 +
* Rear gunner susceptible to getting knocked out by incoming fire
 +
* Engines overheat quickly when using WEP specially if the radiator modification is not installed
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 143: Line 190:
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=b-17g_iaf Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 149: Line 199:
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[B-17 (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 11:44, 19 June 2024

This page is about the bomber B-17G (Israel). For other versions, see B-17 (Family).
B-17G
b-17g_iaf.png
GarageImage B-17G (Israel).jpg
B-17G
Israel flag.png Israel
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 5.3 6.3
Class:
Research:63 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

By 1948, B-17s were no longer in service with the USAF as bombers. And since the IAF was desperate to acquire any combat-worthy aircraft, they got their hands on 3 privately owned, unarmed units that were flown to Czechoslovakia and armed with 7.62 mm MGs, makeshift bomb sights and German bomb racks. The planes bombed several targets during their journey to Israel, and during the entire Arab-Israeli War of 1948, the 3 planes flew 200 sorties. After being used as radio transceivers during the Sinai War of 1956, they were finally fully decommissioned in 1958.

The B-17 was introduced along with the initial Israeli air tree in Update "Winged Lions". At its BR, it's vulnerable to almost any plane, but especially those with air spawns or good climb rates. Planes like the Ta 152H, F8F-1B, and Bf 109s are common threats thanks to their good armament and climb capabilities. Like all strategic bombers, the B-17 is capable of destroying an entire base, however once spawned pilots should try to climb to more than 6000 m to be safe at least until the base is destroyed. When facing enemy planes, the weakest position is the front. Thus, when a dangerous enemy plane is detected, pilots should give the rear of the plane to the enemy to make shots harder.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 7 680 m510 km/h
Turn time36 s
Max altitude11 156 m
Engine4 х Wright R-1820-97
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight31 t

As a strategic bomber, the B-17G is slow, and can't manoeuvre at all. 2G turns may cause the wings to rip off the fuselage. The acceleration is also lacking, alongside the climb rate, compared to similar Soviet or German bombers. Engines tend to overheat when WEP is used for too long, but they can be ran in WEP for most of the time with the right throttle control.

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 492 476 11156 37.2 38.2 2.1 2.1 600
Upgraded 532 510 34.9 36.0 7.5 4.6

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 ~2 ~1
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 330 < 310 < 270 > 300

Survivability and armour

Crew10 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear290 km/h
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Lower nose armour plate
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Back of pilot and co-pilot's seats
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Dorsal turret gunner protective plate
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Radio operator protective plate
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Beam gunner protective armour x 2
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Tail gunner protective plate
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Ball turret
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Tail gunner rear window

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 617 → 3 561 Sl icon.png
RB7 554 → 10 280 Sl icon.png
SB15 696 → 21 362 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications52 800 Rp icon.png
90 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training57 000 Sl icon.png
Experts200 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces520 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 230 / 550 % Sl icon.png
172 / 172 / 172 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods bulletproof vest.png
Protective vest
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_turret_belt_pack
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
250/50 G.P.
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg50_turret_new_gun
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
500/50 G.P.
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png

This slow and lumbering heavy bomber relies entirely on its turrets for defence. Without it, the plane is target practice. Thus "Protective vests" should be the first unlock. Further survivability upgrades will make the fight easier, but do not think it will successfully face-off against enemy fighters. Upgrading the bomb payloads should be second priority. Performance modules can be considered the least necessary.

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (4)
Setup 116 x 100/50 kg G.P. bomb
Setup 28 x 250/50 kg G.P. bomb
Setup 312 x 250/50 kg G.P. bomb
Setup 46 x 500/50 G.P. bomb
Main articles: 100/50 kg G.P. (100 kg), 250/50 kg G.P. (250 kg), 500/50 kg G.P. (500 kg)

The B-17G (Israel) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 16 x 100/50 kg G.P. bombs (1,600 kg total)
  • 8 x 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (2,000 kg total)
  • 12 x 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,000 kg total)
  • 6 x 500/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,000 kg total)

The best loadout of the B-17G for use against bases in ground RB and Sim is the 12 x 250/50 kg G.P. bombs. Since this offers enough bombs to destroy several bases that may already be damaged without having to commit too many bombs in a single base like may happen with the 6 x 500/50 kg G.P. bombs. However in ground RB this last loadout may be the best, since the bigger bombs offer less margin of error and compensate the lack of precision with more explosive range.

Defensive armament

Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition800 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
2 х Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1150 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
Ammunition600 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
2 х Turret12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition300 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The B-17G (Israel) is defended by:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, chin turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 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)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, mid dorsal turret (500 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (575 rpg = 1,150 total)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (600 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x nose turrets (300 rpg)

The .50 cals on the B-17G may not be as effective as the 20 mm or 13 mm guns used in other bombers, but these guns can also be very good, since they have better range and most of the time better rate of fire. The best belt to use is the Universal belts, since this has the most amount of Armour Piercing Incendiary (AP-I) shots, that are very good at causing engine failure and have enough penetration to kill pilots with some lucky shots.

Usage in battles

When facing fighters and interceptors in Realistic Battles, it is best to use Omni-purpose or Armour-piercing/Ground Target ammunition belts for the 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns. These ammunition belts are effective at tearing through the engine block and hopefully resulting in an internal engine fire. You may be also able to knock out a pilot.

Specific enemies worth noting

B-17s are notoriously hard to kill when compared to similar Soviet and German bombers. However, with the B-17 the best defence is to evade your opponent altogether. Your worst enemies will be almost all fighters due to the high BR (Fw 190 D, Ta-152, BF-109 G-10/K-4, F8F-1B, Tempest, etc.). Most fighters will have 2 to 4 cannons which can still make short work of the B-17.

The weakest area of approach with the B-17G is the front. Only 1-2 MGs can be focused directly forward if a fighter head-ons you. The crew is also focused at the nose. If there is a fighter at your level, try to turn and expose the tail "barb". Diving may work as well. However, diving can put you into more danger as more fighters may swarm you.

Counter-tactics

When climbing to fight the B-17, you will most likely have a lower energy level depending on the plane you use. The F8F-1B, for example, has extremely good acceleration with WEP and can climb ridiculously quickly as well. If in a plane such as an F8F-1B, attempt to head on the B-17 as this is the weakest point. If the B-17 turns away, climb and chase the Flying Fortress at a higher altitude and then dive on it from an angle. Always avoid tailing a B-17, regardless of model. This just warrants a knocked-out pilot or fire.

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:

  • Strong .50 cal gun placement to shoot down incoming fighters
  • Can be equipped with more than enough bombs to take out a base even in full uptiers

Cons:

  • Wings can rip easily in manoeuvres
  • Large size means a juicy target from higher-calibre shells
  • Slower speed compared to equivalent German bombers
  • Rear gunner susceptible to getting knocked out by incoming fire
  • Engines overheat quickly when using WEP specially if the radiator modification is not installed

History

The B-17G was the final combat model of the B-17 Flying Fortress. Produced from late 1943 until several months after the end of World War II, this variant included all successful improvements made to previous B-17 models. It carried a total of 13 machine guns for point-defense, including the new remote-controlled chin turret that greatly improved the B-17's ability to defend against head-on attacks. By the end of the B-17G's production run, a total of 8,680 units were manufactured - just over 2/3 of the total number of B-17s that had ever been built. The B-17G was instrumental in long-range daytime bombing over Nazi-occupied Europe, flying in massive formations often dozens or even hundreds of planes strong.

By 1948, three years after World War II, the B-17 had effectively been decommissioned as a mainstay bomber in favor of new intercontinental bombers like the B-29 Superfortress. Some units remained in service as reconnaissance craft or passenger transports for the new U.S. Air Force; while some other units made their way into private ownership, stripped of their combat armaments and converted to serve a variety of civilian uses.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF), established in 1948 following the creation of the State of Israel, had no real interest nor need for a four-engine strategic bomber. Though it was embroiled in a war with all of its neighbours, all potential targets were no more than a few hundred miles from the airfields - much more suitable for short/medium-range tactical bombers. Nevertheless, the IAF was desperate to purchase pretty much any combat-worthy aircraft it could get its hands on. In the United States, one agent working clandestinely on this task for the Israelis was Al Schwimmer, a flight engineer for TWA, who managed to locate four B-17Gs in private hands. The IAF provided him with the funds to purchase the planes, three of which had already been stripped of their armaments.

Three of the planes were flown from Miami to Puerto Rico, then to the Azores, and finally to Czechoslovakia. There, they were fitted with 7.62 mm M1919A4 Brownings machine guns in place of the missing 12.7 mm M2 Brownings. Makeshift bomb sights and German suspension bomb racks for 250 kg and 70 kg bombs installed. A fourth plane made several attempts to fly to the Azores through Canada, but the FBI had learned of the operation and alerted the Canadian authorities to prevent it from leaving.

As soon as the opportunity arose, the three refitted planes were ordered to fly from Czechoslovakia to Israel, bombing several enemy targets on their way home - including the palace of King Faruk in Cairo. During the Israeli War of Independence, the three planes flew over 200 sorties. They were initially escorted by fighter planes, but it quickly became evident that the Egyptians were reluctant to intercept them; after which the bombers flew without any escorts for the remainder of the war. They bombed targets in Egypt, the West Bank, and Syria.

The three IAF B-17Gs continued to serve until 1953, during which time the IAF managed to acquire original B-17G turrets and M2 Browning machine guns for them. In 1953 the planes were mothballed for a few years until being reactivated as airborne radio transceivers during the 1956 Sinai War. After the war they were immediately mothballed yet again, and were finally decommissioned in 1958. Following its experience with the B-17G, the IAF has never acquired any other four-engine bombers, instead completely switching over to ground-attack aircraft and later to multi-role fighters.

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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

Israel bombers
B-17G

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