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Manuals B-17 B-29 Pilot`s Notes

Presenting the B-17G

The new B-17G, seventh major revision of the Flying Fortress, is now in operation at many bases in the continental United States. It incorporates a number of new features which have been developed as a result of the B-17's extensive combat experience.

The exterior appearance of the B-17G differs from that of the B-17F only in a few details.

Chin Turret

An electrically powered chin turret, equipped with two M-2 .50-cal. machine guns which have hydraulic charging mechanism, has been added.

The sights are synchronized with the turret turning mechanism, but they are not automatic computing sights.

The turret itself is located beneath the bombardier's station, and is operated by the bombardier.

The earlier models of the B-17G did not have cheek guns, but they are installed on later modifications on each side of the nose.

Pitot Static Mast

A single pitot static mast, placed just below the body center line aft of the chin turret and above the forward entrance hatch, replaces the two pitot static masts with which the B-17F is equipped.

Interior Changes

The navigator's compartment has been re-arranged. A larger table and a swivel chair are installed.

The flux gate compass and the radio compass have been relocated more conveniently on the bulkhead wall.

A shelf has been installed over the navigator's table.

A step has been added under the astrodome to facilitate the navigator's work in taking celestial shots.

Later B-17G's have the all electric bomb salvo system. Three toggle switches (on the bombardier's panel, above the copilot's instrument panel, and on the forward bomb bay bulkhead) allow emergency release of bombs. Any one switch opens the bomb doors electrically and releases the bombs. Entire operation takes about 12 seconds.

NEW CHIN TURRET ON B-17G

MISCELLANEOUS CHANCES
EQUIPMENT B-17F1 B-17G
Waist Windows Removable Fixed and staggered
Tachometer Autosyn Direct indication
Fuel Pressure Gages Autosyn Direct indication (liquid)
Oil Pressure Gages Autosyn Direct indication (liquid)
Manifold Pressure Gages Autosyn Direct indication (pressure)
Turbo-superchargers B-2 (Manually Controlled) B-22 (electronically controlled)
Turbo-superchargers B-2 governed speed 23,400 r.p.m. B-22 governed speed 26,400 r.p.m.
Tail Gunner's Compartment Conventional; closed in by canvas cover on tail. Enlarged; closed in completely by turret.
Windshield Knockout Panels On some late modifications. Installed.
Airspeed Indicator Zero correction at low speeds. Too low indication at high speeds. Zero correction at low speeds. Indicates too high at high speeds.
Booster Coil Installed. Fires after top dead center. Induction vibrator firing on top dead center. Requires change in starting procedure.
Emergency Oil Supply for Feathering Not installed Oil tanks equipped with stand-pipe holding emergency supply.
Engine Fire Extinguisher System Installed on few early models. Installed on late airplanes.
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