B-17 Flying Fortress VS. Lancaster Bomber

This podcast compares the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and the Avro Lancaster, two iconic heavy bombers of World War II. The B-17, developed in the 1930s, underwent numerous modifications during the war, while the Lancaster, designed to address shortcomings in its predecessor, became instrumental in the Allied bombing campaign against Germany. Both aircraft played crucial roles but suffered high casualty rates.

B-17 Origins and Development

• 00:00:07 The B-17 Flying Fortress's development began in the 1930s, driven by the US Army Air Corps' need for a large, four-engine bomber. The initial prototype, model 299, led to the production of the B-17B in 1939. The B-17G became the definitive variant, with over 12,700 produced across multiple manufacturers.

B-17 Specifications and Performance

• 00:02:06 The B-17G had a length of 74 feet 9 inches, a wingspan of nearly 104 feet, and weighed 36,000 pounds unloaded. Powered by four Wright Cyclone engines, it had a top speed of 300 mph and a range of around 2,000 miles. Its armament included twelve .50 caliber machine guns and a bomb payload of up to 6,000 pounds.

B-17 Crew and Bombing Operations

• 00:04:16 A B-17 crew consisted of ten men, each with a specific role. The Norden bombsight was crucial for accurate bombing from high altitudes. However, despite its precision, large bomber formations were necessary due to the challenges of hitting targets accurately in combat; the B-17 suffered appalling casualty rates, with a life expectancy of around 11 missions.

Lancaster Origins and Development

• 00:09:32 The Avro Lancaster, designed by Roy Chadwick, was a British heavy bomber primarily used for nighttime raids. Its first prototype flew in January 1941, and it entered operational service in March 1942. Over 7,377 Lancasters were built, but only around 3,445 survived the war.

Lancaster Specifications and Performance

• 00:11:06 The Lancaster measured 69 feet 6 inches long, had a wingspan of 102 feet, and weighed over 36,000 pounds empty. Powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, it could carry a bomb load of up to 14,000 pounds, and its range was around 2,530 miles. Its unique bomb bay allowed for the carrying of the 'bouncing bomb'.