The B-17 went through several major modifications during its lifetime. The B-17G was the final major version. By the time the G model was developed in September 1943, the Fortress had already built for itself a legendary reputation for taking phenomenal amounts of damage and still returning to friendly territory. The G model continued, and added to, the legend. It was the largest production variation - of the 12,725 B-17s manufactured, 8,680 were G models.
Wing span: 103 feet, 9 inches
Length: 74 feet, 4 inches
Height: 19 feet, 1 inch
Engines: 4 supercharged, 1,200 horsepower Wright R-1820-97 Cyclones
Top speed: 287 mph at 25,000 feet
Cruise speed: 182 mph
Range: 3,400 miles
Service ceiling: 35,600 feet
Empty weight: 36,135 pounds
Gross weight: 55,000 pounds
Maximum fuel load: 3,630 gallons
Crew: 10 (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, bombardier, engineer, radio operator, 4 gunners)
Maximum bomb load: 6,000 pounds
Defensive armament: Thirteen .50 caliber machine guns with 6,380 rounds of ammunition