Aero Vintage Books

Working on the Boeing G-65-75 seriers of aircraft

Looking for information on 43-37652

Osborne claims she was assigned to the USCG as a PB-1R but I can not find anything to back up this claim.

Aircraft card is missing for ACR-89 so trying to verify this information as best I can.

Also looking for any information in her use as a target.

The Osborne reference probably comes from my 1993 book B-17 In Blue which details the known information on 43-37652.

The pertinent paragraph: Sketchy USCG records (particularly those of pilots) indicate, however, that this aircraft was assigned to the Coast Guard beginning in May 1947 for use as a PB-1R. Pilots recalled that the aircraft was "posh" inside when delivered to the USCG at Bolling Field. Limited Coast Guard markings were applied, and the aircraft was used to transport the Secretary of the Treasury on a post-World War II trip to Europe. It was returned to the USAF in late 1947.

It is then noted: There is nothing on the 43-37652 USAAF record card which verifies this assignment to the Coast Guard. Also, the fact that the USAF operated this aircraft as an SB-17G would call into question any description of the interior as "posh"...however there has been at least one documented case where the USCG "borrowed" an aircraft unbeknownst to the USAF and in that case (a B-25) there is no official record of transfer either.

I do have some copies of USCG communications in my files somewhere that supports this account, for what it is worth. And, I might have a copy of the record card too. I'll take a look and post something here if I can put my hands on these copies without taking too much time....

And the account in B-17 In Blue also shows this airplane was converted from an SB-17G to a QB-17G at Brookley Air Depot in April 1954 and destroyed by a missile at Holloman AFB in July 1954.

Scott

Was hoping you would respond -- except for a report of an accident with this aircraft in 1952, the only information I have is what is in your book (which, btw is now in pieces as I have broken the spine)

This B-17 had to have gone through the B-17H modification program in Syracuse at some time (which is also missing)

Nothing even on the 4th ERS on the internet.

Any information would be greatly appreciated (hoping the aircraft card would show-up) but would settle for any piece of the puzzle)

Thanks in advance

Dave

Looking again at the record card and the compiled other data I have, I suspect that the serial number for the USCG borrowed B-17 is not 43-37652. At the time it was supposedly utilized, it was assigned to McChord Field as a TB-17H.

There are no other B-17 serials that I could find that would contain the sequence of "37652". At the time I did my original research here, I must have questioned the accuracy of the stated serial number because I also pulled the record cards for B-17G 42-97652 and B-17G 44-8252 (msn 7652) but these also did not match up. My information comes from an individual who did a bunch of research into USCG records and compiled the basic information that the USCG borrowed a USAF VB-17G in May 1947 for the transportation used of the Secretary of the Treasury and it was returned in August 1947 and the USCG evidently used the sequence of "37652" for ID and the radio call sign. Perhaps some photos might come to light with some diligent research about what the Secretary of the Treasury was doing then in Europe.

Two other examples of similar use of USAF aircraft by the USCG for short term assignments were 44-83809 and 42-97177 and these aircraft used the radio call signs and USCG ID of "83809" and "97177", for what it is worth.

Dave, if you want a copy of the record card, PM your email address and I'll scan and send it to you.