US Army Air Force

Flying Fortress.

USAAF.

Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers flying in formation, 1942/'43. US bombers entered active operations in Europe early following the entry of the US into the war against Germany. The Americans were convinced that day bombing by aircraft with heavy defensive argument was feasible even when unescorted by fighters. The formation adopted here was designed to maximize the effect of mutual protection of the bombers through defensive firepower. Early US Army Air Force operations at short range, under escort by RAF Fighter Command, were successful, suffering modest losses. However, the attempt to extend unescorted heavy bomber operations into Germany quickly proved that the unescorted approach was misguided and costly. The full potential of US day bombing was only realized when the long-range (and excellent) Mustang fighter came on the scene. Best regards, JR.