The B-17 Flying Fortress remains one of the best known aircraft in the history of American aviation. This volume effectively tells, for the first time, the little known history of the B-17 in both Navy and Coast Guard service from the mid-194 0s through the late 1950s. Operating as the PB-1W, the Navy Fortresses pioneered the development of radar for airborne early warning and the modern AWACs airplanes. The Coast Guard PB-1Gs, equipped with either wooden or inflatable lifeboats, providing air -sea rescue capability and international iceberg patrol for over a decade of service. Here is the complete story, in both words and never-before-seen photos, of the famous B-17 in this little known but important service. Complete individual histories of a ll the B-17s operated by the Navy and Coast Guard, including those that survive today in various museums. A must for any B-17 library.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"B-17 In Blue" comes from the authoritative pen of Scott Thompson and deals deeply with the PB-1 -the Flying Fortress in service with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. -- Fly Past Magazine, November 1994
The Boeing PB-1W and PB-1G until now have been little known to us. (The author) brings us the historical, technological and tactical concepts, developments and operations of these two unique models of the Boeing B-17. (The author) has done his res earch well. The book is interesting reading and most enjoyable. You learn a great deal more than just statements of facts for the author explains the services' logic in the development and deployment of these aircraft. I award (the author) "Five Stars" fo r this work-get it! -- Northern California Chapter, American Aviation Historical Society, 1994
This well-produced soft-bound volume takes an in-depth look at the history of the Forts in blue. Operating as the PB-1W and PB-1G, these aircraft are oft overlooked by modern historians, but the author has done his homework and created a volume th at does honor to these veterans...a fascinating history for anyone interested in Flying Fortresses... -- Air Classics Magazine, January 1994
The Boeing PB-1W and PB-1G until now have been little known to us. (The author) brings us the historical, technological and tactical concepts, developments and operations of these two unique models of the Boeing B-17. (The author) has done his res earch well. The book is interesting reading and most enjoyable. You learn a great deal more than just statements of facts for the author explains the services' logic in the development and deployment of these aircraft. I award (the author) "Five Stars" fo r this work-get it! -- Northern California Chapter, American Aviation Historical Society, 1994
This well-produced soft-bound volume takes an in-depth look at the history of the Forts in blue. Operating as the PB-1W and PB-1G, these aircraft are oft overlooked by modern historians, but the author has done his homework and created a volume th at does honor to these veterans...a fascinating history for anyone interested in Flying Fortresses... -- Air Classics Magazine, January 1994
From the Publisher
(The book) is a definitive history of the B-17 for AEW, picketing, hurricane chasing, and SAR applications, prior to the development of purpose built types...A description of the modifications, installed equipment, and service history of the two types is detailed. The second half of the book is devoted to a summary of each and every serial number's history to the degree possible. I found this little documented use of an AAF bomber by a rival service fascinating.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The First Book on Naval B-17's,
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This review is from: B-17 In Blue: The Flying Fortress in U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Service (Paperback)
I was lucky enough to pick this one up on sale at the National Air and Space Museum. I have a number of books on this airplane, but very little material outside of USAAF use. These planes were used for a number of missions by the US Navy and US Coast Guard. They had lifeboats slung under their bellies to be dropped to downed aircrew and sailors. They also had airborne radar that was used in an early AWACS mission. The odd thing is that after most B-17's were scrapped at Kingman, Arizona and other locations, the Navy and Coast Guard had to buy B-17's from civilian sources. The Airforce wouldn't sell their's to the navy! Its range, affordability, reliability, power and ground clearance for radar and lifeboats made it very attractive as a platform during the rather austere times following WWII. The photographs are very well reproduced. I would have liked some more stories from aircrew during that time period. My copy had a very weak binding, so I have to take care when handling it. Still, it is the only game in town and an excellent read.
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