B17G - Work in Progress

[Felix/FFDS]

The following are two images of the B-17G being re-built in Kissimmee, Florida, USA.  This aircraft was used, post World War II, as a turboprop engine test-bed.  The turboprop engine was installed in the nose, and by itself could pull the airplane faster than a normal B-17 could fly on four engines.

The plane was recently pulled out of the hangar.  Yes, to the question no one has asked yet, that is a Mig-21 in the background.

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[Fly2e]

Very nice Felix.
I take it you live near this project. When do they think she will be airworthy?

[Hagar]

This looks nice Felix. Is this at Tom Reilly's place? On my last visit I was astounded to see brand new B-17 fuselage sections stored all over the hangar. Some were hanging in the rafters. I reckon there were enough parts there to build several examples from scratch.

On a side note I was fortunate to see the Tyne Lincoln displayed at Farnborough many years ago. This was an Avro Lincoln with a Rolls-Royce Tyne turboprop stuck on the front of the fuselage. It was used as a test bed in much the same way as that B-17. They displayed it with just the Tyne & the performance was outstanding. This was very impressive & a good demonstration of the things to come.

[ozzy72]

Interesting stuff there Felix, what other planes are they restoring? I recognize a couple.....

Ozzy

[HawkerTempest5]

I hear that "Aluminium Overcast" has suffered a landing accident recently so the number of airworthy B-17s continues to decline slowly. It's nice to see another one that looks like it may fly again one day.

[Threadkiller]

I hear that "Aluminium Overcast" has suffered a landing accident recently so the number of airworthy B-17s continues to decline slowly. It's nice to see another one that looks like it may fly again one day.

sad stuff, i had the oportunity to see 2 b17's, Memphis belle (the touring one, not the original one, i saw the one that was used in the movie) and the "Yankee Lady" the latter i saw flyin many times dring the Teterboro (KTEB) airshow back in summer of 2001 i believe.

i am hoping that aluminum overcast will fly again....if i can recall, Miss America suffered an accident quiet like AO's and was said that she would not fly again but she did....maybe this can happen again qith AO....

muy buenas las fotos Felix!!! wats up with the Intruder and ?Mitchell? in the background? are they being restored too?

[Felix/FFDS]

muy buenas las fotos Felix!!! wats up with the Intruder and ?Mitchell? in the background? are they being restored too?

The Mitchell is "Killer B" and is probably down here for maintenance.  It is a flyable example.  The A-26 is waiting for an infusion of $$$, but it, as well, can be made flyable.