B-17 Tours

The Boeing B-17 (Flying Fortress) is one of the most famous airplanes ever built. The B-17 prototype first flew on July 28, 1935. Few B-17s were in service on December 7, 1941, but production quickly accelerated. The aircraft served in every WW II combat zone, but is best known for daylight strategic bombing of German industrial targets. Production ended in May 1945 and totaled 12,726. Of this amount, nearly 4,000 were lost to enemy action.

It was the 8th Air Force based in Great Britain known as the "mighty eighth" that had the most B-17s. They faced the most challenging duty in daylight precision bombing against German industrial, civilian and military targets. The 8th AF became the largest and most feared air armada of any country in any war. At peak strength, they could put 2,000 bombers and 1,000 fighters on a mission.

Tours
 As you stand behind one of the guns peering out the Plexiglas window, imagine what it must have been like straining your eyes trying to spot that first Messerschmitt as your plane passes over enemy territory. Individual tours of "Miss Angela" are available daily however, on rare occasions, the B-17 can be absent for service.

History of our B-17
 A B-17G-105VE, it was built by Lockheed-Vega and sent to storage after delivery. It was later converted for the use of a two star general in the Caribbean Air Command (6th AF). Located in Brazil, it was used by USAAF/USAF and US Embassy personnel. It became a Fire Bomber/sprayer in 1960-1981. Markings on our B-17 represents the 34th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force, 1945.

Pictures from the B17 during a demonstration flight

Miss Angela makes a pass over the museum in celebration of the museum's 5th Anniversary on Nov. 10, 2001.

On approach. Part of the bombsight is visible here.