Why did ww2 bombers fly in formation?
Why did ww2 bombers fly in formation?
Heavy bombers flew in formation because, that was the most effective tactics against the enemy flak and fighter defense. A ‘Buncher’ signal was emitted by a radion beacon around which the bombers would circle for an hour while every flight got into the air.
What formation required bombers to fly close together to help protect against enemy fighters?
The combat box
The combat box was a tactical formation used by heavy (strategic) bombers of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. The combat box was also referred to as a “staggered formation”.
Was the B-17 used in ww2?
Developed by the Boeing Company in the 1930s, the B-17 was a four‑engine heavy bomber aircraft used by the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. It was a very effective weapons system, dropping more bombs during the war than any other American aircraft. The B-17 was a sturdily built aircraft.
How many B-17 were built in ww2?
12,731
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engined heavy bomber developed in the 1930s for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC)….Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.
| B-17 Flying Fortress | |
|---|---|
| Primary users | United States Army Air Forces Royal Air Force |
| Produced | 1936–1945 |
| Number built | 12,731 |
Why do planes fly in formation?
Military planes fly in formations during combat missions to gain tactical advantage by being able to strike simultaneously and to provide mutual defense if attacked. Although formation flying fighter jets provide are a sight for the public, these formations have defined objectives during combat missions.
What is a box formation?
A formation consisting of four aircraft in a diamond shape. The member rear to the leader is called the box man.
How many German fighters shot down by B 17s?
138 German fighters
After the Second Raid on Schweinfurt, USAAF gunners aboard the B-17 bombers claimed to have shot down 138 German fighters. German records show that 38 were lost and 20 were damaged.
Why was the B-17 so important?
The iconic bomber of the European theater, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, carried the fight to the Germans in the skies over Europe. Even though it was the Japanese who attacked the Americans at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the official policy of the United States and its allies was to defeat Germany first.