What are some features of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress?

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a bomber plane that had its first flight in July 1935. Boeing designed and produced the plane pursuant to a request by the U.S. Army Air Corps. Both the United States and Great Britain used the plane during World War II.

With a gross weight of 67,000 pounds, the bomber has four 1,200 horsepower Wright R-1820-97 engines powering it. The bomber has a top speed of 287 miles per hour and a cruise speed of 150 miles per hour. Able to accommodate two pilots, a bombardier, a radio operator and five gunners, the bomber can carry up to 13 machine guns and 9,600 pounds of bombs.