The Firearms Forum - Gun Community - View Single Post - B-17, B-24, B-29, or Lancaster?

Pistolenschutze · 07-20-2007, 11:37 AM

We haven't has a lively debate here for a spell, so how about a discussion of World War II heavy bombers? Taken on an overall basis--total contribution to Allied victory--which of the following heavy bombers should get the nod as the "best." You will note that all those listed in the poll are four-engined, long-range heavy bombers, and either British or American built. The reason for that is simple: Only the Americans and the British used such bombers to any substantial degree. Both the Germans and the Japanese relied, almost entirely, on two-engined medium bombers.

Boeing B-17 Flying Forgress
Consolidated B-24 Liberator
Boeing B-29 Superfortress
Avro Lancaster

My vote has to go to the B-17, not because it was the fastest or could carry the heaviest bomb loads (it wasn't and couldn't), but because of its outstanding performance as a bomb truck that could get the job done and get its crews back home despite massive damage. Nevertheless, there is much to be said for all other listed and I would be the last to disparage any of them.

07-20-2007, 11:37 AM	#1
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	B-17, B-24, B-29, or Lancaster? We haven't has a lively debate here for a spell, so how about a discussion of World War II heavy bombers? Taken on an overall basis--total contribution to Allied victory--which of the following heavy bombers should get the nod as the "best." You will note that all those listed in the poll are four-engined, long-range heavy bombers, and either British or American built. The reason for that is simple: Only the Americans and the British used such bombers to any substantial degree. Both the Germans and the Japanese relied, almost entirely, on two-engined medium bombers. Boeing B-17 Flying Forgress Consolidated B-24 Liberator Boeing B-29 Superfortress Avro Lancaster My vote has to go to the B-17, not because it was the fastest or could carry the heaviest bomb loads (it wasn't and couldn't), but because of its outstanding performance as a bomb truck that could get the job done and get its crews back home despite massive damage. Nevertheless, there is much to be said for all other listed and I would be the last to disparage any of them. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter) --> Last edited by Pistolenschutze; 07-20-2007 at 11:41 AM..