The Aviation Magazine No 50 May-June 2017 | Page 108
Between 1935 and May 1945, 12,732 B‐17s were produced. Of these aircraft, 4,735 were lost during com‐
bat missions.
At one time, more than 1,000 B‐17s could be assembled for mass combat missions. Today, fewer than 100
B‐17 airframes exist and fewer still are in airworthy condition. Less than 15 of Boeing's famous bombers
can still take to the air, including EAA’s Aluminum Overcast.
EAA’s B‐17G‐VE, serial number 44‐85740 ‐ nicknamed Aluminum Overcast – was delivered to the U.S. Army
Air Corps on May 18, 1945. Although delivered too late to see action in World War II, the airplane has an
interesting history which can be read here: https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/flight‐experiences/aluminum‐
overcast‐eaa‐b‐17‐bomber‐tour/b‐17‐history‐with‐boeing‐and‐eaa
On March 10‐12, the Boeing B‐17 Flying Fortress “Aluminum Overcast” made a visit to Concord, CA., during
its EAA tour. During this tour, people are given the rare opportunity to view the WWII bomber up close and
view the interior. Perhaps the most exciting part of the tour was that people were able to fly in the aircraft
for $450 a passenger. The passengers were able to walk around the aircraft and take pictures. Viewing ar‐
eas included the cockpit, front nose area, radio control dock, bomb bay, and rear hallway. During the flight,
Aluminum Overcast flew over the San Francisco Bay and even soared high over the Golden Gate Bridge. It is
a rare opportunity for many people across the country and you can check https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/
flight‐experiences/aluminum‐overcast‐eaa‐b‐17‐bomber‐tour to see if Aluminum Overcast will be in an
area near you in the future!
The Aviation Magazine would like to thank EAA’s Stephen Tucker for his generous offer for a media ride.