Did Austria use the the B 17 as a dive bomber? Did they use the Bristol Mercury?

Admiral Beez · Mar 31, 2020

Wikipedia says Austria operated the B 17. When? As the B 17 was introduced in 1942 I assume it must be postwar, as AFAIK since the Anschluss of 1938 Austria didn't have an air force separate from the German Luftwaffe.

If postwar, what role would the Austrians use the B 17 for? Did Austria plan to operate it as a dive bomber?

And what engine did they use in Austrian service, P&W Twin Wasp or Bristol Mercury?

GrauGeist · Mar 31, 2020

It was most likely a trainer, as the Luftstreitkrãfte did not exist between 1938 and 1955, after which time, the philosophy of dive-bombing was long gone.

XBe02Drvr · Mar 31, 2020

Admiral Beez said:
Wikipedia says Austria operated the B 17. When? As the B 17 was introduced in 1942 I assume it must be postwar, as AFAIK since the Anschluss of 1938 Austria didn't have an air force separate from the German Luftwaffe.

If postwar, what role would the Austrians use the B 17 for? Did Austria plan to operate it as a dive bomber?

And what engine did they use in Austrian service, P&W Twin Wasp or Bristol Mercury?

According to a "Plane Encyclopedia" article by Mario Zorro, Austria acquired a single SAAB B17A (P&W powered version) in 1957 through private purchase, an end run around the Swedish government's embargo on military aircraft sales to either side in the Cold War. Apparently this "broke the ice", as Austria went on to purchase and operate other SAAB types, such as the J29 and J35.
Cheers,
Wes

tomo pauk · Apr 1, 2020

Seems like the sole B17A was used for target towing by the Austrians post-war. link

XBe02Drvr · Apr 1, 2020

tomo pauk said:
Seems like the sole B17A was used for target towing by the Austrians post-war. link

Ach, nicht sehr gut Deutsch gesprachen! Danke schoen!

Did Austria use the the B 17 as a dive bomber? Did they use the Bristol Mercury?

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