In 1945 the US Navy received a batch of B-17Gs which were fitted with search radar for anti-submarine warfare and received the PB-1W designation. Ex 44-85683, this aircraft is marked as a PB-1W, but it was designated as an XPB-1 for development of the AEW (Airborne Early Warning) role. It was damaged at Mustin Field, Philadelphia when the brakes failed on 29 December 1949. It was used briefly for drop tests as a DPB-1 in 1950. Photo from: Naval History and Heritage Command

4 July '45: TOS USAF as B-17G 44-83863. 11 Jul '45: TOS USN with BuNo 77231 and converted to PB-1W. 2/47: VX-4 and was used to evaluate and develop AEW equipment and procedures. 4/52: VC-11, NAS Miramar, CA. 6/52: VW-1. 10 Jul '56: SOC. 2 Dec '57 to 1971: Several owners with c/r N6464D, including use as firefighter. 1971: C/r N5233V with two companies. June 1975: USAF Armament Museum. Beginning in 2011 it was repainted to olive drab with a new identity.

4 July '45: TOS USAF as B-17G 44-83863. 11 Jul '45: TOS USN with BuNo 77231 and converted to PB-1W. 2/47: VX-4 and was used to evaluate and develop AEW equipment and procedures. 4/52: VC-11, NAS Miramar, CA. 6/52: VW-1. 10 Jul '56: SOC. 2 Dec '57 to 1971: Several owners with c/r N6464D, including use as firefighter. 1971: C/r N5233V with two companies. June 1975: USAF Armament Museum. Beginning in 2011 it was repainted to olive drab with a new identity.

4 July '45: TOS USAF as B-17G 44-83863. 11 Jul '45: TOS USN with BuNo 77231 and converted to PB-1W. 2/47: VX-4 and was used to evaluate and develop AEW equipment and procedures. 4/52: VC-11, NAS Miramar, CA. 6/52: VW-1. 10 Jul '56: SOC. 2 Dec '57 to 1971: Several owners with c/r N6464D, including use as firefighter. 1971: C/r N5233V with two companies. June 1975: USAF Armament Museum. Beginning in 2011 it was repainted to olive drab with a new identity.

Built for USAAF in 1945 as B-17G 44-83863. Passed to US Navy as 77231 and modified as PB-1W radar picket serving VX-4, VC-11 and VW-11 squadrons 1945-1954. Sold as N5233V flying with several firms as a fire bomber. Acquired by USAF for display at Eglin, initially wearing spurious '46106' but later its correct 44-83863.