
The B-17 Flying Fortress is a heavy bomber designed by the Boeing Corporation that was used by the United States during World War II, as well as other belligerent nations. The first production model of the B-17 series was the B-17B model variant. It had a crew of ten men and four 1,200 house power, Wright R-1820-65 engines capable of propelling the B-17 at speeds of up to 462 km/h. The range was slightly over 3,200 km and it had a payload of approximately 2,700 kg. Equipped with seven .50 M2 Browning machine guns it could prove a dangerous adversary to opposing forces. An icon for its durability, the B-17 was used extensively used during World War II. However, it was quickly replace post-war due to multiple new advances in technology.