Units of History - B-17 Flying Fortress DOCUMENTARY

In this history documentary we explore the B-17 Flying Fortress featured in HBOs Masters of the Air. The episode begins with a recap on the history of military aviation. We then provide a high level overview of the B-17 features and its flight crew. And finally we delve into its various operating systems such as the B-17 engines, turbo superchargers, oxygen, communications, and more.

00:00 Intro
02:36 Origins
06:11 Major Features
09:40 Flight Crew
11:36 Crew Positions
13:32 Armor
15:58 Propulsion System
17:39 Fuel System
18:37 Oil System
19:04 Control System
21:13 De-Icing System
21:47 Heating System
22:36 Oxygen System
22:33 Communication System
24:24 Outro

Credits:
Research = Andrew Wackerfuss
Script = Invicta
Narration = Guy Michaels
Art = Penta Limited

#history #documentary #explained

[BeardRubEnjoyer]

The way history is rejected by YouTubes algorithm is depressing. War is humanities history. Forget that and repeat it.

[abesapien]

That first prototype crashing (with the pilots) was such a foreshadowing of things to come, it almost brought tears to my eyes.

[johnosborne]

This BLEW my mind. I’m a major B-17 kid and never knew half of this!

[NobleKorhedron]

Commenting to say "SCREW YOU, ALGORITHM!"

Keep up the good work, @Invicta!

[johndoe-kqct]

I’ve always thought of this channel as more of a ancient/medieval channel. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the video, and no worries, you guys will continue to get my support as long as you continue to make quality content.

[Princitius]

The B-17 was my high school mascot. Richland Bombers. We played football with mushroom cloud decals on our helmets. I used to live right off Bombing Range road. I never thought it was weird until I moved out of town!

I guess the B-29 dropped the nukes, but the Hanford site—the reason for the town in the first place—was responsible for a good amount of the plutonium used in the Manhattan Project. The story is that at one point each of the workers dedicated a day’s pay to fund a B-17, and that bomber was consequently named “Day’s Pay” and later became our mascot.

[mitwhitgaming]

One of my favorite planes in history!
...only beat out by the Catalina, an amphibious plane used as a scout in WWII and makes for an equally great recreation vehicle.

[badzilla]

One still flys right down the road at falcon field here in AZ. All chromed out with a nice blue tail.

I didn't see it when it came out due to lack of time; However, it has been one of Invicta's best videos to date. I hope they give it the necessary amount of likes and views so that it reaches a larger audience.

[thestormofwar]

The B-24 was the most widely produced US bomber, not the B-17. Great video though.

[JonGretarB]

The Norden bombsight was a massive waste of resources. It provided no better accuracy than the bombsights of any other nation but cost more than the rest combined.

[steveclark]

@ 5:46 the propeller rotation would have made the plane go backwards

[AlanRob]

Ok. So when's the Norden Bomb Sight video coming? Lol

That price tag made that quite the little aside. I need more info!

[silverknight]

What’s the music playing in the intro? I swear I’ve heard it before. But yeah awesome video. Very different from the usual stuff, but not in a bad way.

[ivareskesner]

Good stuff, mate. Good stuff. You should do one on pirate ships.

[kasparvanleeuwen]

Interesting video! I got here because of the community post. Hope this video reaches its audience!!

[PlvsVltra-jirs]

I absolutely adore this episode and hope the series takes off. I cannot wait to see future covers, especially the German planes.

[Assassinus]

I was tickled to see a photo of the YB-40 when discussing the B-17’s generous complement of MGs.

[theblackhand]

Boeing: I rather trust an old B17 then traveling with a 747 Max! 👻

[sonnyjim]

I'd be interested to know how often there was friendly fire between the planes when in tight formation with all those MGs firing.