Airfix Boeing B-17G / Fortress Mk.III (1/72) A08018A

The Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, which the Royal Air Force called Fortress Mk.III represented the most sophisticated iteration of the B-17 series that Boeing produced during World War II. The B-17G entered service in late 1943 with multiple enhancements resulting from combat experiences gained from previous models.The B-17G design included a remotely operated chin turret with twin .50 calibre machine guns to protect against frontal attacks, which earlier models proved vulnerable to. The introduction of additional gun positions raised the total defensive firepower to 13 guns, establishing the B-17G as one of World War II’s most heavily armed bombers. Four Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines powered the aircraft, which achieved a top speed of approximately 287 mph while reaching a service ceiling of 35,600 feet and carrying up to 8,000 pounds of bombs during extended missions.During World War II, the U.S. Eighth Air Force used the B-17G extensively to conduct strategic bombing operations against German military and industrial targets throughout Europe. Formations of B-17 bombers maintained their critical contribution to damaging Nazi Germany’s war infrastructure despite suffering extensive losses from flak and enemy fighters.The Fortress Mk.III designation was given to the B-17G when used by Britain, and this aircraft served mainly under RAF Bomber Command and Coastal Commandthe Mk.III model proved more effective than its predecessors Fortress Mk. I and Mk.II when deployed in extended maritime patrol missions and electronic countermeasure operations.The B-17G became the most produced Flying Fortress variant through the manufacturing of over 8,600 units. The B-17G became a legendary bomber from World War II because it had a strong design and damage absorption capabilities, and played a crucial role in the Allied strategic bombing campaign. Several B-17Gs remain preserved in museums and maintain airworthy status throughout the world today.