B-17 vs. B-29

Attribute	B-17	B-29
Manufacturer	Boeing	Boeing
First flight	1935	1942
Primary users	United States Army Air Forces	United States Army Air Forces
Number built	12,731	3,970
Length	74 ft 4 in	99 ft 0 in
Wingspan	103 ft 9 in	141 ft 3 in
Maximum speed	287 mph	357 mph

Introduction

The B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-29 Superfortress are two iconic American bombers that played significant roles during World War II. Both aircraft were developed by Boeing and were crucial in the Allied bombing campaigns against Axis powers. While they shared some similarities in their design and purpose, there were also key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the B-17 and B-29 to highlight their unique features and capabilities.

Design and Development

The B-17 Flying Fortress was first introduced in the 1930s and was primarily used by the United States Army Air Corps. It was a four-engine heavy bomber with a distinctive design that featured multiple machine gun positions for defense. The B-17 was known for its rugged construction and ability to withstand heavy enemy fire. In contrast, the B-29 Superfortress was developed later in the war and was designed to be a high-altitude strategic bomber. It was larger and more advanced than the B-17, with pressurized crew compartments and remote-controlled gun turrets.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the B-29 Superfortress had a clear advantage over the B-17 Flying Fortress. The B-29 was faster, had a longer range, and could carry a heavier bomb load than its predecessor. Its high-altitude capabilities allowed it to fly above enemy defenses, making it a formidable weapon in the Pacific theater. On the other hand, the B-17 was slower and had a shorter range, which limited its effectiveness in long-range bombing missions. However, the B-17 was known for its durability and was able to return to base even after sustaining significant damage.

Armament

Both the B-17 and B-29 were heavily armed with machine guns to defend against enemy fighters. The B-17 typically carried 13 .50-caliber machine guns, while the B-29 had up to 12 .50-caliber machine guns and a 20mm cannon in its tail turret. The B-29 also had the capability to carry larger bombs, including the devastating incendiary bombs used in the firebombing campaigns against Japanese cities. In comparison, the B-17 was primarily used for precision bombing missions and was equipped with a bomb bay that could carry up to 8,000 pounds of bombs.

Legacy

After World War II, both the B-17 and B-29 continued to serve in various roles with the United States Air Force. The B-17 was used for reconnaissance and search-and-rescue missions, while the B-29 was modified for use as a long-range reconnaissance aircraft and as a platform for testing new technologies. The B-29 gained further fame as the aircraft that dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effectively ending the war in the Pacific. Today, both aircraft are revered for their contributions to the Allied victory in World War II and are popular attractions at air shows and museums around the world.