Legends of Air Combat: B-17 Flying Fortress

Legends of Air Combat presents an in-depth look at the most important military aircraft ever produced. Featuring rare archival footage, dramatic combat sequences, and interviews from the men who flew these legendary planes, this series explores each aircrafts’ development, combat characteristics, operational deployment, and their strategic role in history. Informative maps, commentary, and expert analysis are included, as well as intriguing “what if” scenarios that explore the military consequences if these planes had not been developed.
The B-17 Flying Fortress is one of the most famous U.S. bombers ever produced, and was the backbone of the 8th Air Force’s strategic bombing campaign in the European theater. It’s combination of maneuverability, range, and heavy bomb loads was unmatched by any other medium range heavy bomber, and helped secure air superiority over the cities, factories and battlefields of Western Europe. Its ability to return home despite extensive battle damage quickly took on mythic proportions, and proved to be one of the most favored airplanes of the 8 Air Force crews.