The B-17 Flying Fortress is the best-known American bomber of World War II. Heavy losses in 1943, when a total of 120 bombers was shot down, lead to the conclusion that previous B-17 versions carried insufficient defensive armament. As a consequence, the front lower nose of the B-17G was equipped with a turret carrying two 12,7 mm machine guns, providing an effective defense against the feared frontal attacks. Simultaneously, supplementary gun positions were added to the fuselage sides. The crew now being able to defend itself in all directions resulted in a sense of safety, which was also reflected in its nickname Flying Fortress . Although it was mainly used over Europe and the Near East, it also delivered invaluable services in the Pacific theatre while flying sea patrol, reconnaissance and bombing missions. A total of 12.731 Flying Fortress was built of which 8.680 machines were G versions. The last B-17G left the factory on July 29, 1945. This B-17G-35-VE 42-97880 Little Miss Mischief was delivered on 23 March 1944 and served from 15 June 1944 till 4 April 1945 with the 91st Bomb Group, 324th Bomb Squadron in Bassingbourn, England and having flown 75 operational missions.
Detailed surface structure with engraved panel lines
Detailed cockpit with side consoles and instrument panel
Separate seats
Complete bomb bay with bomb racks
4 boms
Rotating chin turret
Bomb aiming equipment with seat in nose
Detailed radio/navigation compartment with radio boxes
Side windows options for machine guns
Rotating ball turret,- Detailed upper machine gun turret
Optional clear parts for front, cockpit and central upper machine gun positions
2 optional tail machine gun positions
Separate tail fin
Wings can be built with landing flaps lowered
Cooling gills ring can be built open or closed
Turbosupercharger imitation
Separate air intake ducts
Separate elevator and rudder
Detailed undercarriage
Transfers for 2 USAAF versions:
B-17G-35-VE, serial 42-97880, DF-F, Little Miss Mischief , 8th Air Force, 1st Air Division, 1st Combat Wing, 91st Bomb Group, 324rd Bomb Squadron, Bassingbourn, UK, Feb. 1945
B-17G-35-BO, serial 42-31909, Nine O Nine 8th Air Force, 1st Air Division, 1st Combat Wing, 91st Bomb Group, 323rd Bomb Squadron, Bassingbourn, UK, April 1945
