Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is one of the most iconic heavy bombers of World War II, developed for the United States Army Air Corps. It was designed by the Boeing Airplane Company in the mid-1930s, prioritizing speed, altitude, and range. The B-17 became a legend for its durability; stories often emerged of aircraft returning to base despite heavy battle damage from anti-aircraft fire and enemy interceptors.

Industrial production was primarily based in the United States, with major manufacturing facilities in Seattle, Washington. To meet the massive demand during the war, a cooperative known as the B.V.D. (Boeing-Vega-Douglas) was formed, leading to additional production at Vega (Lockheed) in California and Douglas Aircraft in Oklahoma and California. Following the war and several corporate evolutions, Boeing remains the ultimate owner of the B-17 legacy, staying headquartered in the USA as one of the world's largest aerospace companies.