B-17F Flying Fortress "Memphis Belle"

In May 1934, the US Army published the conditions with which it should meet the modern multi-engine bomber it needed. It was required that it could take up to 907 kg of bombs on a route from 1640 to 3540 km, while maintaining a speed of 322 to 402 km / h. While, according to the US Army, the term multi-engine meant that there should be more than one engines, Boeing invited to present its concept adopted the use of four engines for the Boeing 299 (later designated B-17). Work on the machine began in mid-June 1934. On July 28, 1935, the Boeing 299 took off for its first flight. It took place on a 3,380 km route with an average speed of 406 km / h. The news of the positive test results made Boeing optimistic. The more bitterly news was received that on October 30, 1935, the prototype had crashed during take-off. The study of the causes of the crash revealed that the take-off took place with the control system blocked (normal procedure when the aircraft was stationary). Nevertheless, takin