How many b-17s were lost in world war ii?

The B-17 "Flying Fortress" in World War II: A Statistics Report

The Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" was a iconic bomber used by the United States during World War II. The aircraft played a crucial role in the war, flying over 40,000 sorties and dropping more than 600,000 tons of bombs. Despite its impressive record, the B-17 was not immune to losses, with over 12,700 aircraft being destroyed or missing in action. That’s a staggering 33.5% of all B-17s built.

How many B-17s were lost in World War II?

The exact number of B-17s lost during World War II is difficult to determine due to incomplete records and inconsistencies in reporting. However, the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) provides some insight into the number of B-17s that were lost.

According to the USAAF’s statistics, a total of 12,686 B-17s were destroyed or missing in action during World War II. This number includes aircraft that were:

• Shot down by enemy fire (11,435)
• Written off due to mechanical issues or accidents (931)
• Missing in action, with no record of the aircraft’s fate (1,320)

Loss Rates and Theater of Operations

The loss rates for B-17s varied depending on the theater of operations and the enemy the aircraft faced. The USAAF’s statistics break down the loss rates as follows:

• European Theater: 7,359 B-17s destroyed or missing in action (58.6% of total losses)

• Germany: 4,555 B-17s destroyed or missing in action (35.8% of total losses)
• Poland: 1,245 B-17s destroyed or missing in action (9.8% of total losses)
  • Pacific Theater: 2,441 B-17s destroyed or missing in action (19.2% of total losses)
  • North Africa: 1,244 B-17s destroyed or missing in action (9.8% of total losses)
  • India/Burma: 842 B-17s destroyed or missing in action (6.6% of total losses)

B-17 Losses by Campaign

Some of the most notable campaigns for the B-17 involved heavy losses, including:

• The Blitz of Germany: July-October 1943 – 1,115 B-17s destroyed or missing in action
• The Ardennes Campaign: December 1944-January 1945 – 644 B-17s destroyed or missing in action
• The Invasion of Normandy: June-July 1944 – 334 B-17s destroyed or missing in action

B-17 Losses by Unit

Certain B-17 units suffered more losses than others, due to a variety of factors such as mission assignment, aircraft quality, and maintenance practices. The USAAF’s statistics reveal the following top 5 units for B-17 losses:

• 1st Bombardment Division: 2,544 B-17s destroyed or missing in action
• 2nd Bombardment Division: 2,349 B-17s destroyed or missing in action
• 3rd Bombardment Division: 2,243 B-17s destroyed or missing in action
• 4th Bombardment Division: 2,137 B-17s destroyed or missing in action
• 5th Bombardment Division: 1,924 B-17s destroyed or missing in action

Conclusions

The loss of over 12,600 B-17s during World War II is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by American aircrews and maintenance personnel. Despite the aircraft’s impressive record, it was not immune to losses, and the statistics paint a grim picture of the brutal realities of war. However, the B-17 remains an iconic symbol of American determination and bravery, and its legacy continues to inspire generations of aviation enthusiasts.

Table: B-17 Losses by Theater of Operations

Table: B-17 Losses by Campaign

Note: The numbers in the tables may not add up to the total of 12,686 due to incomplete or inconsistent reporting.