YB-17 Variants

YB-17, aka Model 299B

-With too much merit to ignore, yet cost an issue, Congress approved a conditional purchase in December 1936 of 14 YB-17 aircraft…” Y” prefix designated Service test model.

-The YB-17 was improved from the Model 299 in the fitting of Wright Cyclone engines, producing 850 hp, achieving 250 mph at 14,000ft, was capable of carrying 4000 lbs of bombs.

**-As testing progressed, another contract April 1938 for an additional 13 aircraft now designated YB-17A with improvements as requested by the Army Air Corps.

-Improved oxygen system for the crew and the early development of an engine supercharger, brought the operating altitude up to 35,000 feet at a speed of 295 mph

**-More improvements gave the Flying Fortress incredible record breaking performance that left the Douglas and Martin aircraft far behind.

**-At the time the need for long range bombers had not been readily accepted by the Army, however the Air Corps component requested this seeing what development were being made worldwide.

-The government of the time was restrained by political pressure from opponents against the purchase of the Boeing aircraft.

**-Notably the US Navy were very upset when a flight of YB-17 intercepted the Italian Liner REX at sea, setting another record and making substantial positive publicity, additionally several goodwill flight also brought positive publicity.

**-The phrase coined by the Seattle times Reporter in 1935 was officially copyrighted on April 25, 1938 by Boeing and from this point on the B-17 became known as the Flying Fortress.

-A few months later in September 1938 the infamous Munich crisis brought attention to the powder keg brewing in Europe as well as Nazi intentions. Political pressure now changed which helped Boeing secure more contracts.