MENG MP-001 B-17 FLYING FORTRESS BOMBER - MENG KIDS

MENG MP-001 B-17 FLYING
FORTRESS BOMBER - MENG
KIDS

In May 1934, the US Army published the conditions with which it should meet the modern multi-engine bomber it needed. It was required that it could take up to 907 kg of bombs on a route from 1640 to 3540 km, while maintaining a speed of 322 to 402 km / h. While, according to the US Army, the term multi-engine meant that there should be more than one engines, Boeing invited to present its concept adopted the use of four engines for the Boeing 299 (later designated B-17). Work on the machine began in mid-June 1934. On July 28, 1935, the Boeing 299 took off for its first flight. It took place on a 3,380 km route with an average speed of 406 km / h. The news of the positive test results made Boeing optimistic. The more bitterly news was received that on October 30, 1935, the prototype had crashed during take-off. The study of the causes of the crash revealed that the take-off took place with the control system blocked (normal procedure when the aircraft was stationary). Nevertheless, taking into account the positive results of the tests carried out, the army decided to place an order for 13 YB-17s and one for static tests. The prototype that crashed was powered by four Pratt-Whitney R-1680-E Hornet engines with a power of 750 HP each. Its wing at the base was of such a high profile that it reached half the diameter of the circular fuselage. There were large-span flaps on the trailing edge of the wings, which reduced the speed during take-off and landing