* Boeing launched the B-17 prototype on July 28, 1935.
* Known then as ‘Model 299’, it represented the ultimate in state-of-the-art technology.
* During an early test flight it was nicknamed a Flying Fortress by Richard Smith, an observing reporter from the Seattle Times. Boeing embraced the catchy term and quickly trademarked it for use.
* The plane boasted four turbo-charged engines, a hulky frame, twelve .50 caliber machine-gun mounts, and the ability to fly higher and longer than anything previously built.
* The rugged bomber simultaneously held the ability to defend itself, carry large bomb loads, absorb extensive battle damage, and still fly.
* Bomb loads and type depended on the target and length of mission. Typical bomb loads carried on combat missions could be:
* (2) 2000lb demolition bombs
* (6) 1000lb demolition bombs
* (12) 500lb demolition bombs
* (16) 300lb demolition bombs
* (12) 500lb incendiary clusters
* (16) 250lb British incendiary bombs
* (40)-(42) 100lb incendiary bombs
* (24) fragmentation bombs
* (16) 250lb fragmentation bombs