| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | "42-38133" |
| Alternate Serial: | 238133 |
| Military Code: | AW-O / C |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress (299) |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress |
| Aircraft Version: | Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress |
| Licence-built by: | Lockheed-Vega |
| C/n (msn): | 17-8508 |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Air Force |
| Aircraft Name: | The Reluctant Dragon |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Abilene - Dyess AFBMap |
| Region / Country: | Texas, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: KDYS IATA: DYS Local: DYS Other: - |
| Collection: | Dyess Linear Air Park |
| Photo Date: | 9 April 2024 |
| Photo by: | Aad van der Voet |
| Photo ID: | 718331 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
Lockheed-Vega-built B-17G, delivered to the Air Force on 31 Mar 1945 as 44-85599. Converted to DB-17G/DB-17P Drone Director in the early 1950s, and served as such until retired in Aug 1959. Flown to Abilene Municipal Airport for display in Oct 1960, and moved to nearby Dyess AFB in 1975 for restoration and display. The aircraft was later restored to B-17G configuration (with gun turrets) and falsely painted as 42-38133 "The Reluctant Dragon", as seen here. It represents a 96th Bomb Group aircraft that was lost in action on 5 Dec 1944. This photo is copyright © Aad van der Voet, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 20 August 2024, and has since been viewed 257 times. |