WIX Archives
Re: B-17s in the Gulf of Mexico
Posted by Scott Thompson on Sat Dec 14, 2002 12:20:27 PM
In reply top B-17s in the Gulf of Mexico posted by JimH on Fri Dec 13, 2002 11:08:17 PM
I know the USAF conducted similar tests in the Gulf of Mexico with at least one B-17G, as there is a familiar photo of it being ditched. After reviewing record cards for hundreds of late-built B-17Gs, I never found any references of transfers to the USN for test programs. There were about fifty RB-17Gs transferred from the USAF to the USN in late 1949/early 1950 to provide parts support to the USN PB-1W fleet, but Navy records are fairly clear that these aircraft were broken up for parts.
I would think the program you read about was actually conducted by the AAF or USAF, given the close proximity to Eglin AFB where many such post-war USAF test programs were conducted.
I'll be curious to see if anyone has more information about this.