B-17 Flying Fortress Will Be At Waukesha Airport This Weekend

WAUKESHA, WI — The B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engined bomber that flew over the skies of Europe and the Pacific during World War II. This weekend, one of the last remaining flying B-17s will be at the Waukesha County Airport and will be offering flights.

The B-17 Madras Maiden is one of only 12 such planes still flying today. The public is invited to fly in the historic aircraft this weekend for $450. Organizers say it costs $5,000 every time the plane flies.

The B-17 received the name "Flying Fortress" from a Seattle reporter who commented on its defensive firepower. The B-17 underwent a number of improvements over its 10-year production span. Models ranged from the YB-17 to the B-17-G model.

Throughout the war, the B-17 was refined and improved as battle experience showed the Boeing designers where improvements could be made. The final B-17 production model, the B-17G, was produced in larger quantities (8,680) than any previous model and is considered the definitive "Flying Fort."

With its 13 .50-caliber machine guns – chin, top, ball and tail turrets; waist and cheek guns – the B-17G was indeed an airplane that earned the respect of its combatants.

In addition, air crews liked the B-17 for its ability to withstand heavy combat damage and still return its crew safely home.

The public is invited to tour the B-17 for free. Public flights and ground tours will be available Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15. Flights are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every hour, on the hour. Ground tours are from 2:30-5:30 p.m.

For more information visit libertyfoundation.org.

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