The B-17 was developed in the 1930’s as a four-engine heavy bomber, and first flew in 1935 as a prototype.  Accepted for service in 1938, the  B-17 evolved through several major variants, and served as the primary daylight precision bomber that dropped more bombs in WWII than any other aircraft.
The B-17 began operations in the war with the RAF in 1941 as a long range bomber.  She went on to serve in every theatre of the war, and served in one foreign military until 1968.  While heavily armed, the B-17 was not able to operate with acceptable losses until the advent of the long range escort fighter.
“Chuckie” is one of only 13 currently airworthy.  She was built  by Vega in 1944 destined to be a rare “pathfinder” ship with the top secret BTO radar in place of the usual belly turret.  This is the only remaining pathfinder anywhere, and she flies in the livery of the 486th Bomb Group (H), Sudbury.

Country: USA

Manufacturer: Boeing, Douglas & Vega

Engine: Wright R-1820-97 Cyclones x 4

Horsepower: 1200 hp

Max Speed: 287 mph

Weight: 65,000 lbs

Ceiling: 35,600 feet

Crew: 10