B-17G or B-24J

[Liberator]

other than the name, any particular reason? btw, personally, from the little online experience i have, B-17, simply because nobody messes with 2-8x.50 cals with the ceek guns. it can also take a fair amount more punishment than the B-24.

It's the name. 

[branch37]

I prefer the B-17 simply because it's sexier.

[AAJagerX]

IRL the B-24 crews were always worried about ditching in the water.  The higher mounted wings coupled with flimsy bomb bay doors made it almost certain that the plane would snap in half during a water landing.  A great book that describes how crews felt about the 24 is "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand.  I highly recommend it...  One of the best books I've ever read.

In the game, I prefer B-24's over the B-17's due to the heavier ord loadout.  

[colmbo]

IRL the B-24 crews were always worried about ditching in the water.  The higher mounted wings coupled with flimsy bomb bay doors made it almost certain that the plane would snap in half during a water landing.

The problem was when the bay doors failed the water would slam into the bulkhead at the aft end of the bomb-bay breaking the fuselage.  They had a "ditching kit" that was some braces that could be installed if they needed to ditch.  I never saw one of the kits, not sure exactly how they worked.

I met a B-24 crewman who flew in the Pacific.  He survived two ditchings (one at night during a storm), the ditchings were on back to back missions.  He also flew at mission that lasted over 18 hours.

[colmbo]

Found this video of a B-24 ditching test:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlmMpDyITTY

[kvuo75]

I prefer the B-17 simply because it's sexier.

yep. same here.

plus it's the only WW2 plane I've crawled around in during a real-world flight

[BigKev03]

B17 seems it is able to take damage more better than the 24.


BigKev

[B-17]

I prefer the B-17 simply because it's sexier.

i agree

[Brooke]

Despite the B-17 being the US bomber to get the most glamor:
-- There were more B-24's produced.
-- B-24's dropped more bombs (I think).
-- B-24's served in a wider variety of roles.
-- B-24's had longer range, carried a larger load, and were faster.

So, the B-24 did as much or more but got snubbed in recognition.

I do my part to rectify that by liking it better.

[Noir]

Despite the B-17 being the US bomber to get the most glamor:
-- There were more B-24's produced.
-- B-24's dropped more bombs (I think).
-- B-24's served in a wider variety of roles.
-- B-24's had longer range, carried a larger load, and were faster.

So, the B-24 did as much or more but got snubbed in recognition.

I do my part to rectify that by liking it better.

But I think the B17 got the most shot at 

[colmbo]

Despite the B-17 being the US bomber to get the most glamor:
-- There were more B-24's produced.
-- B-24's dropped more bombs (I think).
-- B-24's served in a wider variety of roles.
-- B-24's had longer range, carried a larger load, and were faster.

So, the B-24 did as much or more but got snubbed in recognition.

I do my part to rectify that by liking it better.

No idea how accurate this is but....a WWII 8th AF veteran said that the B-17 bases were generally closer to London, the media liked to stay in London so when they'd visit a bomber base they would pick one close enough to get back to London for the evening.

[Flayed]

 B24 catches fire to easy when you get shot so I rarely fly it.  The extra bomb load usually is not worth burning to death  on the way back home.  B17 is much more durable and has enough ord to do most of the things you need to do in AH if your any good at bombing at all.

 B24's are also one of my favorite bomber targets when I'm in a fighter because I know I just need to get a few rounds into them to turn them into a comet.

[B-17]

But I think the B17 got the most shot at 

yeah... it probably took the most hits, too. and, wasnt the B-17 in military service longer?

[colmbo]

yeah... it probably took the most hits, too. and, wasnt the B-17 in military service longer?

Probably.  They served into the 50s in the Air/Sea rescue role.  Of course Privateers served into the late 50s or early 60s.

[B-17]

Probably.  They served into the 50s in the Air/Sea rescue role.  Of course Privateers served into the late 50s or early 60s.

from what i understand, they were used for a crazy number of other things for a while too, right? like firefighting, trans-atlantic (?), and a testbed for some new Pratt & Whitney engine, among others?