How many B-17-G's were built during World War 2?

Answer 1

The latest model B-17 was the Model H. There were other versions such as one used by the US Coast Guard. The early Model A and B were only produced in small numbers. By the time of Pearl Harbor, there were fewer than 200 B-17's in the US Army Air Force. The B-17E was the first model to be produced in large quantity. As much as 3,400 B-17F were produced and 8,680 of the B-17G's.

For comparison, the B-24 (all models) was the most produced airplane in WW2 at a total of around 18,000.


On 7 December 1941, a group of 12 B-17s of the 38th (four B-17C) and 88th (eight B-17E) Reconnaissance Squadrons, en route to reinforce the Philippines, were flown into Pearl Harbor from Hamilton Field, California, arriving during the Japanese attack. Leonard "Smitty" Smith Humiston, co-pilot on First Lieutenant Robert H. Richards' B-17C, AAF S/N 40-2049, reported that he thought the U.S. Navy was giving the flight a 21 gun salute to celebrate the arrival of the bombers, after which he realized that Pearl Harbor was under attack. The Fortress came under fire from Japanese fighter aircraft, though the crew was unharmed with the exception of one who suffered an abrasion on his hand. Enemy activity forced an abort from Hickam Field to Bellows Field, where the aircraft overran the runway and into a ditch where it was then strafed. Although initially deemed repairable, 40-2049 (11th BG / 38th RS) suffered more than 200 bullet holes and never flew again. Ten of the 12 Fortresses survived the attack.

Source: Wikipedia

Answer 2

12,731

Answer 3

8680