In flying the Vee formation, aircraft will not be flown closer to one another than 50 feet from nose to tail and wingtip to wingtip. Safety first is a prerequisite of a good formation because a greater number of lives and a larger amount of equipment is in the hands of the responsible pilot in a large 4-engine airplane. Bear in mind that it is much more difficult to maintain position when flying with proper spacing between airplanes than with wings overlapping. Close flying becomes an added hazard which accomplishes no purpose and is not even an indication of a good formation.
Violent maneuvers are unnecessary and seldom encountered. Therefore you must allow a greater factor of safety. In the B-17, relatively slower response to power and control changes require a much higher degree of anticipation on the part of the pilot. The problems increase in almost direct proportion to the airplane's size and weight. Proper formation provides: controlled and concentrated firepower, maneuverability, cross-cover, precise bombing pattern, and better fighter protection.įormation flying in 4-engine airplanes presents greater problems than formation flying in smaller aircraft. Groups that are noted for their proficiency in formation flying are usually the groups with the lowest casualty rates. When you get into combat you will learn that your best assurance of becoming a veteran of World War II is the good, well-planned, and well-executed formation.įormation flying is the first requisite of successful operation of the heavy bomber in combat. The autopilot Servo motors above the tailwheel are protected by armor at the side and bottom. Padded armor plates and bulletproof glass protect the tail gunner. The gunner's seat in the ball turret is made of armor plate.Īrmor plate in the waist gunner's compartment is installed above, below, and to the rear of each side window. The bombardier-navigator compartment contains armor plate on the bulkhead at the rear of the compartment.Īrmor protection for the top turret operator is placed on the aft side of the bulkhead at the rear of the pilot's compartment.
The pilot, copilot and radio operator are protected by armor plate on the backs of their seats. Protective armor plate, mounted on rubber cushions, is installed at crew stations throughout the airplane. Tail Gunner's Compartment and Waist Section.
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