The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is an American four-engine heavy bomber used by the United States Army Air Forces and other Allied air forces during World War II. Forty-five planes survive in complete form, including 38 in the United States with many preserved in museum displays. The number of operational B-17s has dwindled over time, but there are still several in flying condition.
Of the 12,731 B-17s built, about 4,735 were lost during the war. After the war, planes that had flown in combat missions were sent for scrapping at boneyards, such as those at Walnut Ridge and Kingman. Consequently, only six planes that survive today have seen combat. Most of the other survivors were built too late to see active service and then were used through the 1950s and 1960s in military and civilian capacities. Many are painted to represent actual planes that flew in combat.
Tables
· Surviving aircraft › Aircraft by manufacturer (2022)
1940: built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17D. May 1941: sent to Hawaii. September 1941: moved to the Philippines, where she was known as "Ole Betsy." December 1941–January 1942: used in combat. January 1942: sent to Australia for repairs and given the name "The Swoose." Subsequently, used as a transport plane for George Brett and others. After the war, sent to Kingman, Arizona, for scrapping. April 1946: Frank Kurtz recovered the plane, flying her to Los Angeles. 1949: donated to National Air Museum in Washington. Stored outside at Andrews AFB until 1961. Moved indoors in mid-1970s. July 2008: sent to Dayton. Restoration work was suspended in order to complete work on 41-24485 "Memphis Belle."
41-2446
41-2446
Serial
41-2446
Location
Ford Island, Hawaii
Institution
Pacific Aviation Museum
Status
Under restoration for display
History
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17E. Delivered to USAAF 6 December 1941. Armament installed at Sacramento Air Depot. Flown to Hawaii 17 December. Attached to USN as search plane. Joined USAAF 19th Bombardment Group in Australia 20 February 1942. During 22 February raid on Simpson Harbor, ditched after attack due to fuel shortage. All crew members survived. Wreck discovered in 1972 by RAAF helicopter pilot. Featured in March 1992 issue of National Geographic. Acquired the nickname "Swamp Ghost." Recovered in May 2006. Wreckage impounded at Lae. Shipped in January 2010 to Long Beach. Transferred to Hawaii in 2013.
41-2595
41-2595
Serial
41-2595
Location
Marengo, Illinois
Institution
Private (Michael W. Kellner)
Status
Under restoration to airworthiness
History
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17E, delivered on 14 April 1942. Nickname "Desert Rat" believed to date from 1942. Converted to an XC-108A cargo plane as of March 1944. Last operated by the military in December 1945. Discovered in a Maine scrapyard in 1985. Moved to Illinois in 1995, where it is being restored.
41-9032
41-9032
Serial
41-9032
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
Institution
National World War II Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17E. Assigned to 342d Bombardment Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group, and named "My Gal Sal." During a ferry flight on 27 June 1942, crash-landed in Greenland. All crew members survived and were rescued ten days later. Wreck discovered in 1964. Salvaged in the 1990s by Gary Larkins and stored at Tillamook Air Museum. Purchased by Bob Ready. Restoration began in 2000; later placed on display at Cincinnati-Blue Ash Airport. In 2013, transported to National World War II Museum for display.
41-9210
41-9210
Serial
41-9210
Location
Everett, Washington
Institution
Flying Heritage Collection
Status
In storage; registered with FAA
History
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17E. Sold immediately after production on the civilian market in 1943 to a Canadian airline. Sold to a Bolivian airline, crashed. Restored to airworthiness in 1976. Brought back to U.S. in 1990. In the Seattle area since 1998. Undergoing restoration, "about 80 percent complete", as of July 2021.
41-24485
41-24485
Serial
41-24485
Location
Dayton, Ohio
Institution
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Status
Static display
History
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17F. Taken on strength 15 July 1942. Deployed to RAF Bassingbourn 14 October. Named "Memphis Belle" after Captain Robert K. Morgan's girlfriend Margaret Polk, a resident of Memphis, Tennessee. Between 7 November 1942 and 19 May 1943 flew 25 combat missions with the 324th Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group. Returned to U.S. on 8 June and flew 31-city War Bond tour. Purchased by City of Memphis by the efforts of Mayor Walter Chandler. Stored until 1949 when she was placed on display at armoury. Donated to USAF in early 1970s and moved to Mud Island in 1987. In 2003, moved to restoration at Naval Air Station Memphis. Moved to Dayton in October 2005, and subsequently underwent full restoration. Appears as it did in late May 1943.
42-3374
42-3374
Serial
42-3374
Location
Omaha, Nebraska
Institution
Offutt AFB
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. CA as a B-17F. Delivered May 1943, assigned Dyersburg, Tennessee; involved in two forced landings, written off in September 1944. Post-war, transferred to MGM film studio, planned movie not made, placed in storage. Moved to Planes of Fame Air Museum in 1970, moved to Beale AFB circa 1981. Restored circa 1988. Moved to Offutt AFB in 1989, dedication ceremony 17 August 1990. Wears livery of 42-30230 "Homesick Angel" of 388th Bombardment Group.
42-29782
42-29782
Serial
42-29782
Location
Seattle, Washington
Institution
Museum of Flight
Status
Static display; registered with FAA
History
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17F. Modified in Wyoming and subsequently used by training units at Blythe Field and McClellan Field. On 5 November 1945, shipped to Altus, Oklahoma for disposal, but withdrawn in 1946 and shipped to Stuttgart, Arkansas, for display. Used 1968–1985 as water bomber and air tanker. Acquired in 1988 by Museum of Flight, used in making of 1990 Memphis Belle movie. Restored 1991–1998 by Boeing and given the name "Boeing Bee." Potentially airworthy but not flown since 1998.
42-32076
42-32076
Serial
42-32076
Location
Chantilly, Virginia
Institution
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Status
In storage
History
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17G. Sent to RAF Bassingbourn in March 1944. Named "Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby." Flew 24 combat missions between 24 March and 29 May for the 401st Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group. On final mission, force landed in Sweden, crew members interned. Found abandoned in France in 1968. Donated to U.S. by French government, sent to Dover AFB for restoration. After ten-year restoration, flown to Dayton in 1988. Placed in storage in 2018 and transferred to National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. As of 2024, it is on display and awaiting its reassembly.
43-38635
43-38635
Serial
43-38635
Location
Atwater, California
Institution
Castle Air Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Boeing Seattle as B-17G. Delivered August 1944, USAAF research work until 1959. Entered private use, converted to airtanker in 1960, used until 1979, then to Castle Air Museum. Wears livery of 42-3352 "Virgin's Delight" of 410th Bombardment Squadron, 94th Bombardment Group, which was shot down over North Sea on 29 November 1943.
44-6393
44-6393
Serial
44-6393
Location
Riverside, California
Institution
March Field Air Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Delivered July 1944, assigned in August to 97th Bombardment Group at Amendola Airfield, Italy. Became command aircraft of Lt Gen Ira C. Eaker, replacing his earlier B-17E, and was named "Starduster". Reconfigured and used by Eaker until his 1947 retirement, then VIP transport until 1956. Transferred to government of Bolivia in June 1956, used as cargo transport until 1980. Acquired by USAF in January 1981, restored to 1944 configuration.
44-8543
44-8543
Serial
44-8543
Location
Madras, Oregon
Institution
Erickson Aircraft Collection
Status
Airworthy; registered with FAA
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank,CA as a B-17G-70-VE. Outfitted with AN/APS-15, later modified to TB-17G (training). Retired as surplus in 1959. Purchased by Erickson in 2013 and named "Madras Maiden," formerly "Chuckie." In 2019, repainted and now wears the livery 42-3167 "Ye Olde Pub" of the Brown–Stigler incident. As Brown's plane was a B-17F, the chin turret was removed and the tail was modified to more closely resemble an F model.
44-8846
44-8846
Serial
44-8846
Location
Cerny, Essonne
Institution
Forteresse toujours volante
Status
Static display
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G. Outfitted with AN/APS-15 radar in place of standard ball turret. Flown to RAF Polebrook and assigned to 511th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group, in March 1945. Flown on six missions. Sold in 1954 to Institut géographique national and used until 1985. Purchased by association Forteresse toujours volante in 1988. Wears livery of 44-8846 "Pink Lady". Used in 1989 filming of Memphis Belle. In 2010, transported to Musée Volant Salis, La Ferté-Alais aerodrome, for display. Classified as a monument historique since 2012.
44-8889
44-8889
Serial
44-8889
Location
Dugny, Seine-Saint-Denis
Institution
Musée de l'air et de l'espace
Status
In storage
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega Burbank, CA as a B-17G. Assigned to 8th AF but kept in storage. Sold in 1954 to Institut géographique national. Civil registration F-BGSO. Retired to museum in 1976.
44-83512
44-83512
Serial
44-83512
Location
San Antonio, Texas
Institution
USAF Airman Heritage Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G-105-DL. Delivered May 1945; various domestic postings, retired from military use in 1950. Circa 1972, was on display at Lackland AFB wearing markings of 42-97503 "Princess Pat", but with its own tail number (as later done by 44-83872 "Texas Raiders"). Displayed as 42-97328 "Heaven's Above" of the 388th Bombardment Group, but with its own tail number.
44-83514
44-83514
Serial
44-83514
Location
Mesa, Arizona
Institution
Commemorative Air Force
Status
Airworthy; registered with FAA
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Purchased in 1959 by Aero Union Corporation of Chico, California. Used as a water bomber until 1978. Donated to Arizona Wing of CAF in 1978. Following a competition, given the name "Sentimental Journey." Used in Steven Spielberg WW2 comedy film 1941 (1979). Restored to wartime configuration in the early 1980s.
44-83525
44-83525
Serial
44-83525
Location
Polk City, Florida
Institution
Fantasy of Flight
Status
In storage; registered with FAA
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Converted to DB-17G in 1950. Struck off 1959. Purchased by Flying Tiger Air Museum in 1972. She was used in the 1977 film MacArthur and painted to represent 41-2489 "Suzy Q" of the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group. Purchased by Kermit Weekes in 1983 and restored to airworthy status. During Hurricane Andrew in August 1992, the plane was thrown from its hangar and severely damaged. Since that time it has been dismantled and held in storage.
44-83542
44-83542
Serial
44-83542
Location
Polk City, Florida
Institution
Fantasy of Flight
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Delivered April 1945, stored until May 1950. Converted to DB-17G and later DB-17P (drone); assigned Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, and U.S. locations; placed in storage December 1958. Sold in 1959, converted to airtanker in October 1961 and used by Western Air Industries, then Aero Union Corp from 1962 to 1971. Crashed near Benson, Arizona, on 12 July 1971, both crew survived. NTSB report cites partial power loss due to air intake issue. Kept in Tucson as wreckage, moved to California in 1987, acquired by Fantasy of Flight in 1996. Restored and on static display (walk-through) presented as 42-37994 "Piccadilly Princess."
44-83546
44-83546
Serial
44-83546
Location
Anaheim, California
Institution
Military Aircraft Restoration Corp.
Status
Airworthy; registered with FAA
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G-85-DL. Put in storage at end of the war. In 1948 was redesignated as a staff transport plane and used in Germany, and in Korea during the Korean War. Struck off in 1954. Converted to a water bomber in 1960. Restored in 1982 by Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation as a B-17F with the livery of 41-24485 "Memphis Belle". Currently undergoing deep maintenance.
44-83559
44-83559
Serial
44-83559
Location
Ashland, Nebraska
Institution
Strategic Air and Space Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Taken on strength 5 April 1945. Declared excess in October. Modified to drone in March 1950. Used as drone until May 1958. Issued as museum piece. Flown to museum in May 1959. Formerly wore livery of 42-3474 "King Bee."
44-83563
44-83563
Serial
44-83563
Location
Santa Ana, California
Institution
Lyon Air Museum
Status
Static display; registered with FAA
History
Built at Douglas Aircfraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G-85-DL. Taken on strength 7 April 1945. Used as transport plane in Philippines. Returned to U.S. in 1952, overhauled, and sent to Japan with 6000th Base Service Group. Returned to U.S. in 1955 and stricken off that June. Sold in August 1959 to American Compressed Steel. Used in the film The War Lover. Flown to Hawaii in 1969 and used in the film Tora! Tora! Tora! Sold to Globe Air in 1981 and used as air tanker. Sold in 2006 to Martin Aviation. Wears livery of 42-97400 "Fuddy Duddy". Potentially airworthy but last flown in 2014.
44-83624
44-83624
Serial
44-83624
Location
Dover, Delaware
Institution
Air Mobility Command Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G-90-DL. Sent to Patterson Field in April 1945. The last B-17 assigned to 532nd BS/381st BG at Ridgewell. Declared excess October 1945, but returned to service in November. Later converted to a DB-17P and used until June 1957. Displayed at National Museum of the US Air Force as "Piccadilly Lilly" before transfer to AMC Museum. Currently wears the nose art and markings of 42-107112 "Sleepy Time Gal," which was part of the 381st Bombardment Group, although the real "Sleepy Time Gal" was an unpainted aluminium plane.
44-83663
44-83663
Serial
44-83663
Location
Roy, Utah
Institution
Hill Aerospace Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Delivered May 1945, domestic use, placed in storage at Pyote Field, Texas, in April 1950. At some point converted to TB-17G (training). Transferred to Brazilian Air Force in 1953, registration B17-5400, retired 1968. Displayed at Yesterdays Air Force (Florida) and Combat Air Museum (Kansas). Acquired in 1987 for move to Hill AFB, via a C-5 Galaxy. Exterior restoration completed in 1991. Wears livery of "Short Bier" of the 493d Bombardment Group.
44-83684
44-83684
Serial
44-83684
Location
Chino, California
Institution
Planes of Fame Air Museum
Status
Under restoration to airworthiness; registered with FAA
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Retired from military service in August 1959 as the last B-17 to serve with USAAF/USAF. Later used in various television shows and movies, such as The Thousand Plane Raid in 1969, and became known as "Piccadilly Lilly II." Grounded and on display since 1971. Restoration effort began circa 2008.
44-83690
44-83690
Serial
44-83690
Location
Warner Robins, Georgia
Institution
Museum of Aviation
Status
Under restoration for display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Assigned to USAF Museum in 1961. Displayed at Grissom Air Museum first as "Flak Jacket," then as 44-8385 "Tarnished Angel," and finally as 42-31255 "Miss Liberty Belle." Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Sent to Museum of Aviation in 2015.
44-83718
44-83718
Serial
44-83718
Location
Rio de Janeiro
Institution
Museu Aeroespacial
Status
In storage
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Converted to TB-17H (training) then SB-17G (rescue). Served with 1061st Rescue Flight in Libya during 1948–1949, then returned to Hamilton AFB in 1950.[citation needed] Transferred to Brazilian Air Force, registration B17-5408, in use 1955 to 1968. Displayed in Brazil at Natal AFB 1970 to 1980. Dismantled and in storage.
44-83735
44-83735
Serial
44-83735
Location
Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Institution
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Delivered late May 1945, placed in storage, dropped from inventory in November. Sold for $13,750 in 1947 to Transocean Air Lines, sold to Assemblies of God USA in 1949, sold to a private party in 1951, sold to IGN of France in December 1952. Stopped flying in 1972, offered for sale without engines in 1973, purchased by Euroworld Ltd in May 1975 and sent to Duxford. Purchased by Imperial War Museum in January 1978, returned to a wartime configuration. Wore livery of 42-31983 "Mary Alice" with 401st Bombardment Group. Conservation project in 2012 supported by 96th Bombardment Group, repainted as generic 96th BG with tail number 42-38133.
44-83785
44-83785
Serial
44-83785
Location
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Institution
Collings Foundation
Status
long-term maintenance back to airworthy; registered with FAA
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G-95-DL; possibly delivered as 44-85531 (Vega Burbank) with serial number later changed. Used by CIA, later with Intermountain Aviation and outfitted with Fulton Skyhook; appeared at end of James Bond Thunderball. Acquired by Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in mid-1980s, put on static display. Nicknamed "Shady Lady". Purchased by Collings Foundation in 2015. Undergoing maintenance work in Florida to return to flightworthy.
44-83790
44-83790
Serial
44-83790
Location
Douglas, Georgia
Institution
Private (Don Brooks)
Status
Under restoration for display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Crash landed on frozen Dyke Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador on 24 December 1947. Recovered in 2004 following legal action to secure salvage rights. Under restoration at Brooks Aviation.
44-83814
44-83814
Serial
44-83814
Location
Pooler, Georgia
Institution
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Sold in 1951 to California Atlantic Airways. Spent most of 1950s and 1960s in Toronto as a photographic survey plane. Returned to United States in 1969 where she was restored at Spearfish, South Dakota using fuselage and wings of 41-2451 and nose and tail from 44-83812. After being displayed in various locations, transferred in 1984 to Smithsonian. Loaned in 2009 to Mighty Eighth Museum and given the name "City of Savannah."
44-83863
44-83863
Serial
44-83863
Location
Valparaiso, Florida
Institution
Air Force Armament Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA in July 1945 as a B-17G, transferred to the Navy that month, sold in December 1957 for use as a forest fire tanker, acquired for museum display in 1976. Displayed with 96th Bombardment Group livery.
44-83868
44-83868
Serial
44-83868
Location
London
Institution
Royal Air Force Museum London
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Taken on strength 6 July 1945. Transferred to USN 14 July. Sent to NAS Johnsville for conversion. Struck off 10 July 1956. Sold to American Pressed Steel Corporation in December 1957. Changed hands multiple times after this. Traded to TBM Inc. in 1982 and restored to WW2 configuration with marking of 332d Bombardment Squadron, 94th Bombardment Group. Donated to RAF Museum by USAF.
44-83884
44-83884
Serial
44-83884
Location
Bossier City, Louisiana
Institution
Barksdale Global Power Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Penultimate Douglas B-17. Navy use as PB-1W from 1945 to 1956. Into private use, airtanker from 1961 to 1979. To Barksdale AFB in 1980. First displayed as "Yankee Doodle II", now wears livery of 42-31340 "Miss Liberty".
44-85599
44-85599
Serial
44-85599
Location
Abilene, Texas
Institution
Dyess AFB
Status
Static display
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G. Moved to Dyess AFB in 1974 for display. Wears livery of 42-38133 "Reluctant Dragon" of the 337th Bombardment Squadron, 96th Bombardment Group.
44-85583
44-85583
Serial
44-85583
Location
Recife, Pernambuco
Institution
Recife Air Force Base
Status
Static display
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G, delivered March 1945. Converted to TB-17H (training) then SB-17G (rescue). Transferred to Brazilian Air Force in 1951, registration B17-5402, retired 1968. Placed on display in 1973 and restored in 1999.
44-85718
44-85718
Serial
44-85718
Location
Mount Pleasant, Texas
Institution
Mid America Flight Museum
Status
long-term maintenance back to airworthy; registered with FAA
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-95-DL. Delivered the day after VE Day. Registered in France in 1947 and in England in 1984. Returned to United States circa 1987. Wears livery of 42-38050 "Thunderbird". Currently undergoing "extensive rebuild" in Oregon by the Erickson Aircraft Collection.
44-85734
44-85734
Serial
44-85734
Location
Douglas, Georgia
Institution
The Liberty Foundation
Status
Under restoration to airworthiness; registered with FAA
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-105-VE. Restored in livery of 42-97849 "Liberty Belle" of the 570th Bombardment Squadron, 390th Bombardment Group. On 13 June 2011 made a forced landing at Oswego, Illinois, and was largely destroyed in fire. NTSB investigation found inadequate repair of a fuel tank. Shipped to Brooks Aviation in Douglas, Georgia, to be rebuilt – as of January 2022, fuselage work in progress with much of the aft section being new structure.
44-85738
44-85738
Serial
44-85738
Location
Tulare, California
Institution
Mefford Field
Status
Static display
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G. Given to AMVETS Chapter 56 in 1958. Moved to compound at Perry's Coffee House in 1971. Placed on display at AMVETS again in 1981. Named "Preston's Pride."
44-85740
44-85740
Serial
44-85740
Location
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Institution
Experimental Aircraft Association
Status
Airworthy; registered with FAA
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-105-VE. Delivered May 1945, placed into storage, de-militarized in November. Entered private use in 1946. First restoration work circa 1978. Wears livery of 42-102516 "Aluminum Overcast." In 2021, underwent wing spar attachment repairs in Florida. Currently at EAA Headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, undergoing reassembly.
44-85778
44-85778
Serial
44-85778
Location
Palm Springs, California
Institution
Palm Springs Air Museum
Status
Static display; registered with FAA
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-105-VE. Delivered to Dallas in June 1945. Used as TB-17G crew trainer for Caribbean Air Command, later converted to VB-17G (staff transport) for use at U.S. Brazilian Command in 1948. To Bolling Field in 1954, then into storage at Davis-Monthan AFB in 1956. Private ownership 1959 to 1990; in storage 1984 to 1990. Restored 1991 and flown as "Miss Museum Of Flying". To Palm Springs Air Museum in 1993, named "Miss Angela." Potentially airworthy but not known to have flown since 2004.
44-85784
44-85784
Serial
44-85784
Location
Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Institution
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Status
Airworthy; registered with CAA
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-105-VE. Placed in storage after delivery. Sent to Wright Field in 1948. Leased to General Electric in 1950. Sold in 1954 to Institut géographique national, and used until 1975 as survey plane. Purchased in 1975 by Ted White, restored to WW2 configuration and named "Sally B" after his partner, Elly Sallingboe. Used in 1989 filming of Memphis Belle. Still wears livery of 41-24485 "Memphis Belle" on one side.
44-85790
44-85790
Serial
44-85790
Location
Salem, Oregon
Institution
B-17 Alliance Museum
Status
Under restoration to airworthiness
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-105-VE. Flown to Rome 14 July 1945. Purchased by Art Lacey of Portland, Oregon, 5 March 1947. Used in Milwaukie, Oregon, as gas station canopy, later to advertise Bomber Restaurant, until 2014. Under restoration to airworthy status. Named "Lacey Lady."
44-85813
44-85813
Serial
44-85813
Location
Urbana, Ohio
Institution
Champaign Aviation Museum
Status
Under restoration to airworthiness; registered with FAA
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-110-VE. Converted to a JB-17G testbed variant by Curtiss Wright. Sold to Curtiss in 1957. Later used as an airtanker; crashed 25 April 1980 during takeoff in Brunswick County, North Carolina. Recovered and placed in storage, acquired by Champaign Aviation Museum in 2005 for restoration to flying condition. Named "Champaign Lady."
44-85828
44-85828
Serial
44-85828
Location
Tucson, Arizona
Institution
390th Memorial Museum / Pima Air & Space Museum
Status
Static display
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G. Placed in storage. Later transferred to U.S. Coast Guard as patrol and rescue plane. From 1978 to 1980 served as a water bomber for Globe Aviation in Mesa, Arizona. Transferred in U.S.A.F Museum in 1980. Wears livery of 42-31892 "I'll Be Around."
44-85829
44-85829
Serial
44-85829
Location
United States
Institution
Private (undisclosed)
Status
Airworthy; registered with FAA
History
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-110-VE. Restored in generic livery of 534th Bombardment Squadron, 381st Bombardment Group. Nicknamed "Yankee Lady." Michigan Flight Museum announced the sale of this B-17 in June 2024, however, the new owner was not announced at that time.
Ranked list
Serial
Location
Institution
Status
History
Photo
`UNIQ--templatestyles-0000000D-QINU` 40-3097
Dayton, Ohio
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Under restoration for display
1940: built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17D. May 1941: sent to Hawaii. September 1941: moved to the Philippines, where she was known as "Ole Betsy." December 1941–January 1942: used in combat. January 1942: sent to Australia for repairs and given the name "The Swoose." Subsequently, used as a transport plane for George Brett and others. After the war, sent to Kingman, Arizona, for scrapping. April 1946: Frank Kurtz recovered the plane, flying her to Los Angeles. 1949: donated to National Air Museum in Washington. Stored outside at Andrews AFB until 1961. Moved indoors in mid-1970s. July 2008: sent to Dayton. Restoration work was suspended in order to complete work on 41-24485 "Memphis Belle."
41-2446
Ford Island, Hawaii
Pacific Aviation Museum
Under restoration for display
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17E. Delivered to USAAF 6 December 1941. Armament installed at Sacramento Air Depot. Flown to Hawaii 17 December. Attached to USN as search plane. Joined USAAF 19th Bombardment Group in Australia 20 February 1942. During 22 February raid on Simpson Harbor, ditched after attack due to fuel shortage. All crew members survived. Wreck discovered in 1972 by RAAF helicopter pilot. Featured in March 1992 issue of National Geographic. Acquired the nickname "Swamp Ghost." Recovered in May 2006. Wreckage impounded at Lae. Shipped in January 2010 to Long Beach. Transferred to Hawaii in 2013.
41-2595
Marengo, Illinois
Private (Michael W. Kellner)
Under restoration to airworthiness
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17E, delivered on 14 April 1942. Nickname "Desert Rat" believed to date from 1942. Converted to an XC-108A cargo plane as of March 1944. Last operated by the military in December 1945. Discovered in a Maine scrapyard in 1985. Moved to Illinois in 1995, where it is being restored.
41-9032
New Orleans, Louisiana
National World War II Museum
Static display
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17E. Assigned to 342d Bombardment Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group, and named "My Gal Sal." During a ferry flight on 27 June 1942, crash-landed in Greenland. All crew members survived and were rescued ten days later. Wreck discovered in 1964. Salvaged in the 1990s by Gary Larkins and stored at Tillamook Air Museum. Purchased by Bob Ready. Restoration began in 2000; later placed on display at Cincinnati-Blue Ash Airport. In 2013, transported to National World War II Museum for display.
41-9210
Everett, Washington
Flying Heritage Collection
In storage; registered with FAA
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17E. Sold immediately after production on the civilian market in 1943 to a Canadian airline. Sold to a Bolivian airline, crashed. Restored to airworthiness in 1976. Brought back to U.S. in 1990. In the Seattle area since 1998. Undergoing restoration, "about 80 percent complete", as of July 2021.
41-24485
Dayton, Ohio
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Static display
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17F. Taken on strength 15 July 1942. Deployed to RAF Bassingbourn 14 October. Named "Memphis Belle" after Captain Robert K. Morgan's girlfriend Margaret Polk, a resident of Memphis, Tennessee. Between 7 November 1942 and 19 May 1943 flew 25 combat missions with the 324th Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group. Returned to U.S. on 8 June and flew 31-city War Bond tour. Purchased by City of Memphis by the efforts of Mayor Walter Chandler. Stored until 1949 when she was placed on display at armoury. Donated to USAF in early 1970s and moved to Mud Island in 1987. In 2003, moved to restoration at Naval Air Station Memphis. Moved to Dayton in October 2005, and subsequently underwent full restoration. Appears as it did in late May 1943.
42-3374
Omaha, Nebraska
Offutt AFB
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. CA as a B-17F. Delivered May 1943, assigned Dyersburg, Tennessee; involved in two forced landings, written off in September 1944. Post-war, transferred to MGM film studio, planned movie not made, placed in storage. Moved to Planes of Fame Air Museum in 1970, moved to Beale AFB circa 1981. Restored circa 1988. Moved to Offutt AFB in 1989, dedication ceremony 17 August 1990. Wears livery of 42-30230 "Homesick Angel" of 388th Bombardment Group.
42-29782
Seattle, Washington
Museum of Flight
Static display; registered with FAA
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17F. Modified in Wyoming and subsequently used by training units at Blythe Field and McClellan Field. On 5 November 1945, shipped to Altus, Oklahoma for disposal, but withdrawn in 1946 and shipped to Stuttgart, Arkansas, for display. Used 1968–1985 as water bomber and air tanker. Acquired in 1988 by Museum of Flight, used in making of 1990 Memphis Belle movie. Restored 1991–1998 by Boeing and given the name "Boeing Bee." Potentially airworthy but not flown since 1998.
42-32076
Chantilly, Virginia
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
In storage
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17G. Sent to RAF Bassingbourn in March 1944. Named "Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby." Flew 24 combat missions between 24 March and 29 May for the 401st Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group. On final mission, force landed in Sweden, crew members interned. Found abandoned in France in 1968. Donated to U.S. by French government, sent to Dover AFB for restoration. After ten-year restoration, flown to Dayton in 1988. Placed in storage in 2018 and transferred to National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. As of 2024, it is on display and awaiting its reassembly.
43-38635
Atwater, California
Castle Air Museum
Static display
Built at Boeing Seattle as B-17G. Delivered August 1944, USAAF research work until 1959. Entered private use, converted to airtanker in 1960, used until 1979, then to Castle Air Museum. Wears livery of 42-3352 "Virgin's Delight" of 410th Bombardment Squadron, 94th Bombardment Group, which was shot down over North Sea on 29 November 1943.
44-6393
Riverside, California
March Field Air Museum
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Delivered July 1944, assigned in August to 97th Bombardment Group at Amendola Airfield, Italy. Became command aircraft of Lt Gen Ira C. Eaker, replacing his earlier B-17E, and was named "Starduster". Reconfigured and used by Eaker until his 1947 retirement, then VIP transport until 1956. Transferred to government of Bolivia in June 1956, used as cargo transport until 1980. Acquired by USAF in January 1981, restored to 1944 configuration.
44-8543
Madras, Oregon
Erickson Aircraft Collection
Airworthy; registered with FAA
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank,CA as a B-17G-70-VE. Outfitted with AN/APS-15, later modified to TB-17G (training). Retired as surplus in 1959. Purchased by Erickson in 2013 and named "Madras Maiden," formerly "Chuckie." In 2019, repainted and now wears the livery 42-3167 "Ye Olde Pub" of the Brown–Stigler incident. As Brown's plane was a B-17F, the chin turret was removed and the tail was modified to more closely resemble an F model.
44-8846
Cerny, Essonne
Forteresse toujours volante
Static display
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G. Outfitted with AN/APS-15 radar in place of standard ball turret. Flown to RAF Polebrook and assigned to 511th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group, in March 1945. Flown on six missions. Sold in 1954 to Institut géographique national and used until 1985. Purchased by association Forteresse toujours volante in 1988. Wears livery of 44-8846 "Pink Lady". Used in 1989 filming of Memphis Belle. In 2010, transported to Musée Volant Salis, La Ferté-Alais aerodrome, for display. Classified as a monument historique since 2012.
44-8889
Dugny, Seine-Saint-Denis
Musée de l'air et de l'espace
In storage
Built at Lockheed/Vega Burbank, CA as a B-17G. Assigned to 8th AF but kept in storage. Sold in 1954 to Institut géographique national. Civil registration F-BGSO. Retired to museum in 1976.
44-83512
San Antonio, Texas
USAF Airman Heritage Museum
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G-105-DL. Delivered May 1945; various domestic postings, retired from military use in 1950. Circa 1972, was on display at Lackland AFB wearing markings of 42-97503 "Princess Pat", but with its own tail number (as later done by 44-83872 "Texas Raiders"). Displayed as 42-97328 "Heaven's Above" of the 388th Bombardment Group, but with its own tail number.
44-83514
Mesa, Arizona
Commemorative Air Force
Airworthy; registered with FAA
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Purchased in 1959 by Aero Union Corporation of Chico, California. Used as a water bomber until 1978. Donated to Arizona Wing of CAF in 1978. Following a competition, given the name "Sentimental Journey." Used in Steven Spielberg WW2 comedy film 1941 (1979). Restored to wartime configuration in the early 1980s.
44-83525
Polk City, Florida
Fantasy of Flight
In storage; registered with FAA
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Converted to DB-17G in 1950. Struck off 1959. Purchased by Flying Tiger Air Museum in 1972. She was used in the 1977 film MacArthur and painted to represent 41-2489 "Suzy Q" of the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group. Purchased by Kermit Weekes in 1983 and restored to airworthy status. During Hurricane Andrew in August 1992, the plane was thrown from its hangar and severely damaged. Since that time it has been dismantled and held in storage.
44-83542
Polk City, Florida
Fantasy of Flight
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Delivered April 1945, stored until May 1950. Converted to DB-17G and later DB-17P (drone); assigned Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, and U.S. locations; placed in storage December 1958. Sold in 1959, converted to airtanker in October 1961 and used by Western Air Industries, then Aero Union Corp from 1962 to 1971. Crashed near Benson, Arizona, on 12 July 1971, both crew survived. NTSB report cites partial power loss due to air intake issue. Kept in Tucson as wreckage, moved to California in 1987, acquired by Fantasy of Flight in 1996. Restored and on static display (walk-through) presented as 42-37994 "Piccadilly Princess."
44-83546
Anaheim, California
Military Aircraft Restoration Corp.
Airworthy; registered with FAA
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G-85-DL. Put in storage at end of the war. In 1948 was redesignated as a staff transport plane and used in Germany, and in Korea during the Korean War. Struck off in 1954. Converted to a water bomber in 1960. Restored in 1982 by Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation as a B-17F with the livery of 41-24485 "Memphis Belle". Currently undergoing deep maintenance.
44-83559
Ashland, Nebraska
Strategic Air and Space Museum
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Taken on strength 5 April 1945. Declared excess in October. Modified to drone in March 1950. Used as drone until May 1958. Issued as museum piece. Flown to museum in May 1959. Formerly wore livery of 42-3474 "King Bee."
44-83563
Santa Ana, California
Lyon Air Museum
Static display; registered with FAA
Built at Douglas Aircfraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G-85-DL. Taken on strength 7 April 1945. Used as transport plane in Philippines. Returned to U.S. in 1952, overhauled, and sent to Japan with 6000th Base Service Group. Returned to U.S. in 1955 and stricken off that June. Sold in August 1959 to American Compressed Steel. Used in the film The War Lover. Flown to Hawaii in 1969 and used in the film Tora! Tora! Tora! Sold to Globe Air in 1981 and used as air tanker. Sold in 2006 to Martin Aviation. Wears livery of 42-97400 "Fuddy Duddy". Potentially airworthy but last flown in 2014.
44-83624
Dover, Delaware
Air Mobility Command Museum
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G-90-DL. Sent to Patterson Field in April 1945. The last B-17 assigned to 532nd BS/381st BG at Ridgewell. Declared excess October 1945, but returned to service in November. Later converted to a DB-17P and used until June 1957. Displayed at National Museum of the US Air Force as "Piccadilly Lilly" before transfer to AMC Museum. Currently wears the nose art and markings of 42-107112 "Sleepy Time Gal," which was part of the 381st Bombardment Group, although the real "Sleepy Time Gal" was an unpainted aluminium plane.
44-83663
Roy, Utah
Hill Aerospace Museum
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Delivered May 1945, domestic use, placed in storage at Pyote Field, Texas, in April 1950. At some point converted to TB-17G (training). Transferred to Brazilian Air Force in 1953, registration B17-5400, retired 1968. Displayed at Yesterdays Air Force (Florida) and Combat Air Museum (Kansas). Acquired in 1987 for move to Hill AFB, via a C-5 Galaxy. Exterior restoration completed in 1991. Wears livery of "Short Bier" of the 493d Bombardment Group.
44-83684
Chino, California
Planes of Fame Air Museum
Under restoration to airworthiness; registered with FAA
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Retired from military service in August 1959 as the last B-17 to serve with USAAF/USAF. Later used in various television shows and movies, such as The Thousand Plane Raid in 1969, and became known as "Piccadilly Lilly II." Grounded and on display since 1971. Restoration effort began circa 2008.
44-83690
Warner Robins, Georgia
Museum of Aviation
Under restoration for display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Assigned to USAF Museum in 1961. Displayed at Grissom Air Museum first as "Flak Jacket," then as 44-8385 "Tarnished Angel," and finally as 42-31255 "Miss Liberty Belle." Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Sent to Museum of Aviation in 2015.
44-83718
Rio de Janeiro
Museu Aeroespacial
In storage
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Converted to TB-17H (training) then SB-17G (rescue). Served with 1061st Rescue Flight in Libya during 1948–1949, then returned to Hamilton AFB in 1950.[citation needed] Transferred to Brazilian Air Force, registration B17-5408, in use 1955 to 1968. Displayed in Brazil at Natal AFB 1970 to 1980. Dismantled and in storage.
44-83735
Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Delivered late May 1945, placed in storage, dropped from inventory in November. Sold for $13,750 in 1947 to Transocean Air Lines, sold to Assemblies of God USA in 1949, sold to a private party in 1951, sold to IGN of France in December 1952. Stopped flying in 1972, offered for sale without engines in 1973, purchased by Euroworld Ltd in May 1975 and sent to Duxford. Purchased by Imperial War Museum in January 1978, returned to a wartime configuration. Wore livery of 42-31983 "Mary Alice" with 401st Bombardment Group. Conservation project in 2012 supported by 96th Bombardment Group, repainted as generic 96th BG with tail number 42-38133.
44-83785
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Collings Foundation
long-term maintenance back to airworthy; registered with FAA
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G-95-DL; possibly delivered as 44-85531 (Vega Burbank) with serial number later changed. Used by CIA, later with Intermountain Aviation and outfitted with Fulton Skyhook; appeared at end of James Bond Thunderball. Acquired by Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in mid-1980s, put on static display. Nicknamed "Shady Lady". Purchased by Collings Foundation in 2015. Undergoing maintenance work in Florida to return to flightworthy.
44-83790
Douglas, Georgia
Private (Don Brooks)
Under restoration for display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Crash landed on frozen Dyke Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador on 24 December 1947. Recovered in 2004 following legal action to secure salvage rights. Under restoration at Brooks Aviation.
44-83814
Pooler, Georgia
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Sold in 1951 to California Atlantic Airways. Spent most of 1950s and 1960s in Toronto as a photographic survey plane. Returned to United States in 1969 where she was restored at Spearfish, South Dakota using fuselage and wings of 41-2451 and nose and tail from 44-83812. After being displayed in various locations, transferred in 1984 to Smithsonian. Loaned in 2009 to Mighty Eighth Museum and given the name "City of Savannah."
44-83863
Valparaiso, Florida
Air Force Armament Museum
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA in July 1945 as a B-17G, transferred to the Navy that month, sold in December 1957 for use as a forest fire tanker, acquired for museum display in 1976. Displayed with 96th Bombardment Group livery.
44-83868
London
Royal Air Force Museum London
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Taken on strength 6 July 1945. Transferred to USN 14 July. Sent to NAS Johnsville for conversion. Struck off 10 July 1956. Sold to American Pressed Steel Corporation in December 1957. Changed hands multiple times after this. Traded to TBM Inc. in 1982 and restored to WW2 configuration with marking of 332d Bombardment Squadron, 94th Bombardment Group. Donated to RAF Museum by USAF.
44-83884
Bossier City, Louisiana
Barksdale Global Power Museum
Static display
Built at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA as a B-17G. Penultimate Douglas B-17. Navy use as PB-1W from 1945 to 1956. Into private use, airtanker from 1961 to 1979. To Barksdale AFB in 1980. First displayed as "Yankee Doodle II", now wears livery of 42-31340 "Miss Liberty".
44-85599
Abilene, Texas
Dyess AFB
Static display
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G. Moved to Dyess AFB in 1974 for display. Wears livery of 42-38133 "Reluctant Dragon" of the 337th Bombardment Squadron, 96th Bombardment Group.
44-85583
Recife, Pernambuco
Recife Air Force Base
Static display
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G, delivered March 1945. Converted to TB-17H (training) then SB-17G (rescue). Transferred to Brazilian Air Force in 1951, registration B17-5402, retired 1968. Placed on display in 1973 and restored in 1999.
44-85718
Mount Pleasant, Texas
Mid America Flight Museum
long-term maintenance back to airworthy; registered with FAA
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-95-DL. Delivered the day after VE Day. Registered in France in 1947 and in England in 1984. Returned to United States circa 1987. Wears livery of 42-38050 "Thunderbird". Currently undergoing "extensive rebuild" in Oregon by the Erickson Aircraft Collection.
44-85734
Douglas, Georgia
The Liberty Foundation
Under restoration to airworthiness; registered with FAA
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-105-VE. Restored in livery of 42-97849 "Liberty Belle" of the 570th Bombardment Squadron, 390th Bombardment Group. On 13 June 2011 made a forced landing at Oswego, Illinois, and was largely destroyed in fire. NTSB investigation found inadequate repair of a fuel tank. Shipped to Brooks Aviation in Douglas, Georgia, to be rebuilt – as of January 2022, fuselage work in progress with much of the aft section being new structure.
44-85738
Tulare, California
Mefford Field
Static display
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G. Given to AMVETS Chapter 56 in 1958. Moved to compound at Perry's Coffee House in 1971. Placed on display at AMVETS again in 1981. Named "Preston's Pride."
44-85740
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Experimental Aircraft Association
Airworthy; registered with FAA
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-105-VE. Delivered May 1945, placed into storage, de-militarized in November. Entered private use in 1946. First restoration work circa 1978. Wears livery of 42-102516 "Aluminum Overcast." In 2021, underwent wing spar attachment repairs in Florida. Currently at EAA Headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, undergoing reassembly.
44-85778
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs Air Museum
Static display; registered with FAA
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-105-VE. Delivered to Dallas in June 1945. Used as TB-17G crew trainer for Caribbean Air Command, later converted to VB-17G (staff transport) for use at U.S. Brazilian Command in 1948. To Bolling Field in 1954, then into storage at Davis-Monthan AFB in 1956. Private ownership 1959 to 1990; in storage 1984 to 1990. Restored 1991 and flown as "Miss Museum Of Flying". To Palm Springs Air Museum in 1993, named "Miss Angela." Potentially airworthy but not known to have flown since 2004.
44-85784
Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Airworthy; registered with CAA
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-105-VE. Placed in storage after delivery. Sent to Wright Field in 1948. Leased to General Electric in 1950. Sold in 1954 to Institut géographique national, and used until 1975 as survey plane. Purchased in 1975 by Ted White, restored to WW2 configuration and named "Sally B" after his partner, Elly Sallingboe. Used in 1989 filming of Memphis Belle. Still wears livery of 41-24485 "Memphis Belle" on one side.
44-85790
Salem, Oregon
B-17 Alliance Museum
Under restoration to airworthiness
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-105-VE. Flown to Rome 14 July 1945. Purchased by Art Lacey of Portland, Oregon, 5 March 1947. Used in Milwaukie, Oregon, as gas station canopy, later to advertise Bomber Restaurant, until 2014. Under restoration to airworthy status. Named "Lacey Lady."
44-85813
Urbana, Ohio
Champaign Aviation Museum
Under restoration to airworthiness; registered with FAA
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-110-VE. Converted to a JB-17G testbed variant by Curtiss Wright. Sold to Curtiss in 1957. Later used as an airtanker; crashed 25 April 1980 during takeoff in Brunswick County, North Carolina. Recovered and placed in storage, acquired by Champaign Aviation Museum in 2005 for restoration to flying condition. Named "Champaign Lady."
44-85828
Tucson, Arizona
390th Memorial Museum / Pima Air & Space Museum
Static display
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G. Placed in storage. Later transferred to U.S. Coast Guard as patrol and rescue plane. From 1978 to 1980 served as a water bomber for Globe Aviation in Mesa, Arizona. Transferred in U.S.A.F Museum in 1980. Wears livery of 42-31892 "I'll Be Around."
44-85829
United States
Private (undisclosed)
Airworthy; registered with FAA
Built at Lockheed/Vega in Burbank, CA as a B-17G-110-VE. Restored in generic livery of 534th Bombardment Squadron, 381st Bombardment Group. Nicknamed "Yankee Lady." Michigan Flight Museum announced the sale of this B-17 in June 2024, however, the new owner was not announced at that time.
Built by Boeing Seattle as a B-17E. Named "Bessie the Jap Basher." Ditched near Aruliho after attacking a Japanese shipping convoy near Bougainville on 24 September 1942.
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17E. Crash landed on the side of a mountain near Wau on 8 January 1943 after attacking a convoy in the Huon Gulf. Following the recovery of the "Swamp Ghost," this became the most intact wrecked B-17 still on land.
Built by Boeing Seattle as a B-17E. Named "Bessie the Jap Basher." Ditched near Aruliho after attacking a Japanese shipping convoy near Bougainville on 24 September 1942.
Built at Boeing Seattle as a B-17E. Crash landed on the side of a mountain near Wau on 8 January 1943 after attacking a convoy in the Huon Gulf. Following the recovery of the "Swamp Ghost," this became the most intact wrecked B-17 still on land.
41-24371
Italy
approx.)
Built at Boeing Seattle as B-17F. Named "Devils from Hell." Crash landed off coast of Palermo 18 April 1943.
41-24521
Papua New Guinea
approx.)
Built by Boeing Seattle as B-17F. Named "Black Jack/The Joker's Wild." Ditched near Cape Vogel during a storm on 11 July 1943. Discovered in 1986.
