I got to see one up close and crawl around in it at the mighty 8th museum in Savannah. Seeing one flying is way different then looking at one close up. Flying, they are beautiful machines. Up close you wonder how the hell it even gets off the ground. Its just a puzzle of randomly riveted together poorly fit patch panels. Parts and controls just welded or bolted crudely back together. Repairs I wouldn't even do to a geo metro...
But the things were basically indestructable. They could fly with 3 engines blown off, missing noses or chunks of the wings. Remarkable planes if for nothing else but their ability survive practically any damage and still make it home. I think only the A-10 is even close to the toughness of a B-17.
Imagine being able to take this much damage and still fly home and land.
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