the only time something like this was attempted. There was also The Reed Project, which sought to correct weaknesses in the firepower and layout of the B-17E. The plane used for this project was 41-9112, taken from the 92nd BG in England and modified by Major Robert Reed at Bovington. Consolidated power turrets were grafted onto the nose and tail and the radio room gun installation was altered as well (2 guns instead of one, power assisted, plus a wider field of fire). Due to the nose reconfiguration, the bombardier position was moved to a tunnel under the chin. The bomb-bay doors were also split, so they did not extend as far into the slipstream. It was later returned to the States and did not, as far as I am aware, fly any combat missions in this configuration.
The plane was given the name "The Dreamboat". Talk about mis-naming a plane!
View attachment 356551 View attachment 356552