Last B-17 project sold

[aerovin2]

To throw my two cents in, it would be incredible to get a B-17C or B-17D flying, and there are two projects underway that could ostenstibly be reconstructed as a C or a D. But unless the owners and/or funders of the projects have that passion I don't see how it will happen, and apparently they don't. As for the FAA approval, yes, I'd agree. It would be an experimental airplane and would not be eligible for selling rides, so the major source of support would not be there. But, if someone had the deep pockets, the passion, and the ability to operate the airplane without major outside funding, it would be a unique and significant way to pay homage to those early Pacific war vets and show the heritage of the B-17 quite clearly.

[DIK SHEPHERD]

I'll bet that if you did some research, you'd find that the general (warbird) public is not all that small and are the ones that offer the support, and the donations. Much more than the (normal) general public.

Also, I'll label anybody "egomanical" that says the public wouldn't know the difference between the different models, i.e., Weeks or Brooks.

You could probably go to any airshow and find that 90 percent of those attending only come to see the warbirds. That's because they know what they're looking at and enjoy seeing the aircraft restorations, and perhaps some unique (ex-military) types. Do you think the E.A.A. show would be as big as it is if there were nothing but homebuilts? Don't count on it.

The (normal) general public, for the most part, doesn't know or care about any aircraft, particularly antiques and warbirds, and they don't go to airshows. And even though they do account for a greater part of the population, they don't support and they don't donate, and they don't matter.

And besides, my desire (and many others) to see a "D" model created only applies to those restorations that are being done basically from scratch.

[Chuck Giese]

... if someone had the deep pockets, the passion, and the ability to operate the airplane without major outside funding, it would be a unique and significant way to pay homage to those early Pacific war vets and show the heritage of the B-17 quite clearly.

Scott, as far as I know, there's only one current owner who fits that description (although I'm not sure about his passion for early Forts), and that plane is currently disassembled to the point that you could rebuild it into whatever you want. How about pitching it to him - a chance to own a unique replica/reconstructed early Fortress?

[DryMartini]

Chuck,
You soliciting a reconstruction job?

[Chuck Giese]

Nah, just brainstorming.

A well thought-out proposal might appeal to him, since it appears that he supports unique aircraft. I can see it clearly now - a polished aluminum C model with the blue, red & white striped tail and pre-war stars.

Or, If we're really dreaming - How about a Fortress I in RAF markings. I wonder if there's anyone across the pond interested in unique aircraft, who would support an early war Fortress. Assuming, of course, that they can get the insurance regulations under control.

Either one is achievable to a successful businessman with the determination to make it happen. Just got to find him.

[Andy in West Oz]

I would love to see a C or a D flying.

However, as I have only ever seen one flying B-17 (Pink Lady, Flying Legends 99, Sally B was sick) and been in the presence of only 4 others (Hill AFB, Utah, IWM Duxford, RAFM Hendon, Sally B), I'm just happy to see them be they Gs, Fs, Es, Cs or Ds!

Recent restorations have proven that things thought impossible to fly 20, even just 10, years ago are now possible with the right know how and $$$$. Who knows, maybe it'll happen, I certainly hope so.

One of the things I love about the Warbird industry is that you never know what's going to turn up, no matter how much hunting/research/reading/posting you do!

First popst here, good looking forum!

Cheers

Andy

[Dave]

For those that are passionate about seeing a C or D model flying, why not do some serious research about the design, get drawings, see avaliability of parts etc, and approach one of the owners with all the information needed, It could help if this has been looked into and might give them something to think about.
If not, well at least you have a nice documented technical folder on the design of the early B-17.

[DIK SHEPHERD]

According to DryMartini, the engineering data is available on microfilm.

The point of using one of the two current restoration projects is that the bomb-bay sections and the "G" model wings would make the creation of a "D" model possible, since these sections are pretty much the same from the "D" model to the "G" model. Remembering that the "D" model had cowl flaps, while the "C" model didn't.

As with "The Rat" restoration, bulkheads would have to be formed, longerons and stringers would have to be created and some special fittings would have to be machined. None of this is impossible, or all that difficult, and as was stated "It's all 1930s technology".

And besides, a lot of time and money would be saved by not having to mess around with all the turrets and their systems.