quote:

Originally posted by saigonsmuggler:
But this one has 3 engines running?

After going back to re-read, I noticed just now the OP stated that the B-17 was 'down to one working engine.' There is NO WAY a B-17 can remain airborne without losing tons of altitude on a single engine. IIRC, it can MAYBE maintain altitude on 2 good engines, and even then, it would likely gradually lose altitude. And that is after they chuck all excess weight overboard (guns, ammo, literally anything not bolted down).

The B-17 we are discussing made it all the way across the North Sea (?) back to England. They had 3 engines running, which enabled them to struggle back without the crew going swimming. With all the damage the aircraft sustained, Franz would have easily shot it down with very little effort. Even if he hadn't actively tried to shoot it down, had Franz's Me-109 not been there, the coastal AA batteries would have obliterated the B-17 (which, IIRC) was around 3000 feet altitude or so. . .

There is a B17, I think based on Oregon, painted in Ye Olde Pub's livery. I'd like to see it some day.

It is usually overlooked, but I think pivotally important, that the month before this episode Franz's brother, a Dornier pilot, was shot down over the channel. I think this added to his decision to not shoot them down and suffer as he imagined his brother did.

It's been a long time, but iirc they have "2 1/2 engines", i.e. 2 good engines and one that was dodgy, but helping enough for them to get back. On this point I may not be correct, but, no, 1 engine couldn't keep a 17 in the air.