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Probably the best known during the war was the Memphis Belle, a B-17 of the 91st Bomb Group, which operated from Bassingbourne England. The Belle and her crew were the first Americans to successfully complete a tour of duty, finishing the required 25 missions in May, 1943. At that stage of the war there were not yet fighter planes capable of escorting the bombers deep into enemy territory, and most crews were being shot down before they could finish their tour. The Belle and her crew were the subject of a documentary film by Hollywood director William Wyler which was shown in theaters across America. The film included actual combat footage and focused on their last mission. After that last mission the Belle was flown back to the states by her crew and they went on a tour around the country to promote buying War Bonds, visiting the hometown of each member of the crew and every major US city. The pilot, Robert Morgan of Asheville NC, died in May 2004. When the Belle visited Asheville in 1943 on the Bond Tour, upon leaving Morgan flew over the city, where the City Hall and Courthouse stand side by side, approximately fifteen stories tall. Morgan stood the Belle on one wing and flew the massive aircraft between them. The Belle stood in front of a National Guard Armory in Memphis for many years, where she was vandalized. Finally she was restored and a permanent home built for her on Mud Island, along the Memphis waterfront on the Mississippi. The Belle was named in honor of Morgan's girlfriend, who was from Memphis, but they never married.
The 91st Bomb Group was also the subject of a book, "12 O'Clock High", which was made into a movie starring Gregory Peck, and also a 60s television show by Quinn Martin. The group had four squadrons and a total bomber strength of 48-72 B-17s and lost 197 bombers destroyed during the war. Morgan also wrote a book, and there was at least one other book treating the 91st BG of WWII, "My Two Wars". There was also a movie made about 1990, with Matthew Modine and Harry Connick, Jr., "The Memphis Belle", focusing on the last mission, with more Hollywood than fact in it.
Today, probably the most famous WWII bomber in the Enola Gay, the B-29 which dropped the first Atomic Bomb on Japan. That was of course only days before the end of the war. During the war, the Belle was the best known US bomber.
What else can I help you with?
How long was bomber pilot training during World War 2?
It differed between Air Forces, but was generally about a year in total
What allied bomber had the most missions during World War 2?
This is mostly a matter of opinion, however, I would say it would have to be the B-17 Flying Fortress.Another OpinionThe best heavy bomber was, in my opinion, the Avro Lancaster and, by far, the best light bomber was the de Havilland Mosquito.
What were the major developments of the Pacific War during World War 2?
Long Range Submarines, Fleet Aircraft Carriers, Long Range Bombers (B-29 Superfortress), Amphibious Tractors (Landing Craft), Nuclear Weapons.
How long is a b-52 bomber?
A B-52H is 159 feet long.
What was long range artillery used for in world war 1?
Shooting the badguys from a long distance with great accrucy.
What is a b-24?
A B-24 is a long range bomber, which was used in World War II.
What is the range of the Lancaster bomber?
The Lancaster bomber, a British heavy bomber used during World War II, had a range of approximately 2,530 miles (4,070 kilometers) when equipped with a full bomb load. Its operational range could vary based on factors such as payload and mission profile, but it was designed for long-distance bombing missions, including raids deep into enemy territory.
Why was the B-52 bomber developed?
Because the US needed a new strategic, long range bomber.
How long was bomber pilot training during World War 2?
It differed between Air Forces, but was generally about a year in total
What bomber planes started with the letter b?
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long range bomber operated by the United States Air Force.
Why did they develop the b-2 bomber?
They developed the B2 to get a large, long range, low profile bomber that would emit a low radar signature.
How many engines on the B1 Bomber?
The B-1 Bomber, officially known as the B-1 Lancer, is equipped with four General Electric F101-GE-102 turbofan engines. These engines enable the aircraft to achieve a high-speed performance and long-range capabilities, essential for its role as a strategic bomber. The design incorporates variable-sweep wings, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency during flight.
How did airplanes make World War 2 different than the other wars?
They were used in massive numbers and played pioneering roles. Aircraft were now functioning with great effect and had created revolutionary designs. Plus, new specific roles were now assigned to aircraft as opposed to simply fighter and bomber in WWI, such as diver-bomber, ground-attack or night-bombers as well as long-range and short-range capabilities.
Which military bomber has 6 engines?
The military bomber with six engines is the Convair B-36 Peacemaker. It was a strategic bomber used by the United States Air Force during the Cold War, notable for its large size and long range. The B-36 was designed to carry nuclear weapons and was in service from 1949 until 1959, serving as a deterrent during the early years of the Cold War. Its unique design featured four piston engines and two jet engines, allowing it to operate efficiently at high altitudes.
How many times was the vulcan bomber used in the Falklands war?
The Vulcan bomber was used in the Falklands War during a total of 10 missions. Notably, it conducted a significant bombing raid on Port Stanley airfield on April 30 and May 1, 1982, where it dropped bombs on Argentine positions. The aircraft's long-range capability allowed it to operate from the Ascension Island, demonstrating its strategic importance during the conflict.
How long is the Vulcan bomber?
138
What is b-29 aircraft?
B-29 Superfortress built by Boeing. The Superfortress was the only US bomber capable of bombing Japan (reaching) during WWII. The B-17 Flying Fortress did not have the long range required, thusly, the B-29 had to do the job.
