The Boeing B-17C was the second production model of the famous Flying Fortress bomber. They performed poorly in action so the B-17 was dramatically redesigned before entering mass service with American armed forces.

The first B-17 flew in 1935 and the first version, the B-17B, made its first flight on 27 June 1939.

The B-17C had several improvements over the earlier version and made its first flight in July 1940. Thirty-eight were manufactured before more modifications were made, resulting in the B-17D.

The Americans did not regard the B-17C as suitable for operations but twenty were delivered to the RAF because of its shortage of large aircraft.

They were not a success and the B-17s that saw American service over Europe were dramatically improved versions.

This model represents a B-17C of the 2nd Bombardment Group, USAAC, in late 1941.

Data: Long range bomber. Engines four Wright R-1820-75 Cyclone turbocharged radial piston engines of 894.8kW each. Wing span 31.62m. Length 20.68m. Maximum take-off weight 21,160kg. Maximum speed 520km/h. Range 5,471km. Armament four .50in and one 0.30in machine guns and up to 2,177kg of bombs.

Anigrand 1/144 kit. Completed in March 2018.