The B-17 was created in response to an Army Air Corps' 1934 request for bids on a "multi-engined" long range bomber. The design of the plane itself was a logical continuation of the line of planes that Boeing was currently producing. The product was a bigger, sleeker, faster, long range bomber than anyone had ever seen. It was a true joy to fly, and it would certainly make a more than adequate more...
- Track the design evolution timeline of the B-17 Flying Fortress
- Discuss the limitations of the prewar design process in general.
- Discuss the perceived (and actual) strengths and shortfalls of the aircraft.
- Describe the Fortress' legacy in the context of the Air War and aviation history.
There are scores of fine publications (and some crummy ones) that provide a wealth of information on the B-17. Edward Jablonski's Flying Fortress (pictured left) is one of the best. See if you can't get your hands on a copy. If you have a personal favorite resource to recommend, let us know.
Recording of Bomber Crew Communications Over Intercom (Windows Media Player)
B-17 Manual Pages (No Plug-in Required)
Underwater footage of "Bessie the Jap Basher" off Guadalcanal (Windows Media Player)
B-17 Flyby (Windows Media Player)
Memphis Belle (USAAF Color Film) Part One (Real Player)
Memphis Belle Part Two (Real Player)
B-17 Ground Operations (USAAF Training Film) (Real Player)
B-17 Flight Operations (USAAF Training Film) (Real Player)
B-17 Emergency Operations (USAAF Training Film) (Real Player)
Waist Gunner In Action (Quicktime)
Me 109 Attacking (Quicktime)
Be sure to participate in any of the discussions currently underway, including any student-led seminars, Unit 2 Topic Specific discussions, or general course comments and questions.
Unit 2 Discussion starter: The development of the B-17 is an archetypal example of incremental engineering. Developed before the war, the Fortress evolved through 6 model changes and hundreds of redesigns. In a BREIF (~1 page) document, make a case for the SINGLE most important/effective design improvement made to the B-17. Include actual reference data (if possible) to support your case. Post your findings in the Unit 2 Forum in the Discussion Board. Take the time to read and comment on as many other submissions as possible.
Complete your final learning task proposal/ learning contract. Begin the Unit 2/ Learning Task #1 product as specified in your learning contract.
Post your final learning task proposal/ learning contract to the "Final Proposals" Discussion Board Forum.
Post a brief learning task update to the Unit 2 Task forum to let the class know the status of your work, and when we can expect to see product.
Complete the Week 3 "Train Wreck Check" Evaluation form, and post it to the W3TWC Discussion Board Forum.
As always, post any course questions or concerns to the Anonymous "Suggestion Box" Discussion Board.
To complete Unit 3
Examine the Unit Objectives
- Read the Instructor's Narrative
- Research supporting publications
- Explore the provided Links and Multimedia
- Participate in any active Course Discussions
- Complete your final learning task proposal/ learning contract.
- Post your final learning task proposal/ learning contract to the "Final Proposals" Discussion Board Forum.
- Complete the Week 3 "Train Wreck Check" Evaluation form
- Post the Week 3 "Train Wreck Check" Evaluation form and post it to the W3TWC Discussion Board Forum.
- Begin the Unit 3/ Learning Task #1 as specified in your learning contract.
Remember: Unit 2 runs from Week Three through Week Six, check the Course Timeline for details. Stay on Target!
