The Boeing B-17B was the first production model of the famous Flying Fortress bomber.

Only 39 B-17Bs were produced but by the end of World War Two over 13,000 B-17s of all versions had been constructed.

The first B-17 flew in 1935 and 13 pre-production aeroplanes were constructed.

The first version to be ordered for service was the B-17B that was little different from earlier versions.

The first one flew on 27 June 1939 and all 39 had been delivered by March 1940. They flew with three Bombardment Groups in 1939 and 1940 before being replaced by more advanced B-17s. Some B-17Bs flew restricted non-combat operations during the war and the final one remained in service until 1946.
This model represents a B-17B of the USAAC during a flight to Rio de Janeiro in November 1939.
Data: Long range bomber. Engines four Wright R-1820-51 Cyclone turbocharged radial piston engines of 895kW (1200hp). Wing span 31.62m (103ft 9in). Length 20.68m (67ft 10in). Maximum take-off weight 17,237kg (38,000lb). Maximum speed 470km/h (292mph). Range 4990km (3101 miles). Armament five 7.6mm (0.30in) machine guns and up to 2177kg (4,800lbs) of bombs.
Academy 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in June 2008.