Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:19:40-2:19:48

A B-17 patrol variant was possible but never fielded

The Army Air Forces could have developed a long-range B-17 patrol bomber, but no such capability was placed where it could close this reconnaissance gap.

Army Air ForcesB-17 Flying FortressNaval ReconnaissancePatrol Aircraft
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Could the Army Air Forces have developed a B-17 variant for long-range maritime patrol?

Short answer

Yes, it was possible, but the Army did not field such an aircraft for this role.

Notes

Adapting the B-17 into a long-range patrol aircraft was technically possible. The decisive limitation was institutional and historical rather than aerodynamic: the Army did not create and deploy that variant for this task. A capability that could be developed is different from a reconnaissance force that was funded and positioned. The patrol gap existed because the proposed aircraft was never fielded for the role.