Tokyo tanks on B-17 series

Hoggardhigh · Dec 29, 2016

Hi all,

Lately I've been wondering about the Tokyo tanks fitted on the B-17 production lines beginning with the F model. Anyone have any information on whether all B-17E, F, & G models could accomodate these tanks?

If you like, you may email me at AFROBINSON808@gmail.com.

Thanks

Shortround6 · Dec 29, 2016

I have no idea on the E model but the manual for the F and G makes no mention of planes not being able to fitted with them.
Planes fitted with the tanks had shut off valve control handles located either the radio compartment or the bomb-bay. How hard it was to install or remove the tanks, piping and control valves I have no idea.
Manual is here:

B-17F/G Manual (One Piece)

Hoggardhigh · Dec 29, 2016

Shortround6 said:
I have no idea on the E model but the manual for the F and G makes no mention of planes not being able to fitted with them.
Planes fitted with the tanks had shut off valve control handles located either the radio compartment or the bomb-bay. How hard it was to install or remove the tanks, piping and control valves I have no idea.
Manual is here:

B-17F/G Manual (One Piece)

Since you don't know about B-17E models being able to accomodate Tokyo tanks, perhaps you wouldn't mind asking other members of this site about it?

Shortround6 · Dec 29, 2016

We will see if any answer, there are other manuals available but at the moment I don't see one for the "E".

Crimea_River · Dec 29, 2016

All I can add is that the fact sheet for the EAA's late production B-17G "Aluminum Overcast" says that the range could be extended with the addition of the Tokyo Tanks.

Hoggardhigh · Dec 30, 2016

Crimea_River said:
All I can add is that the fact sheet for the EAA's late production B-17G "Aluminum Overcast" says that the range could be extended with the addition of the Tokyo Tanks.

Did that apply to ALL "big-tailed" B-17s (E thru G)? (And if you don't know, feel free to ask other site members about it.)

Shortround6 · Dec 30, 2016

Granted it is wiki but : Tokyo tanks - Wikipedia

"All B-17F aircraft built by Boeing from Block 80, by Douglas from Block 25, and by Vega from Block 30 were equipped with Tokyo tanks, and the entire run of B-17Gs had Tokyo tanks. These B-17s with factory-mounted Tokyo tanks were first introduced to the Eighth Air Force in England in April 1943 with the arrival of the 94th and 95th Bomb Groups."

Joe Baughers website is confusing on this issue as it 'says' the B-17E could be equipped with fuel tanks bringing total capacity to 3612 US gallons which is way more than than the normal wing tanks and bomb bay tanks.
What adds to the confusion is the statement on the B-17F page.
" A stronger undercarriage was installed which allowed the maximum weight to increase to 65,000 pounds, and later to 72,000 pounds."

Website says the max gross weight of a B-17E was 53,000lbs which makes the carriage of around 21600lbs of fuel rather suspect even for ferrying.

herman1rg · Dec 31, 2016

I don't know personally but I'm sure someone will be along who does know.

Tokyo tanks on B-17 series

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Hoggardhigh

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Shortround6

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Hoggardhigh

Airman 1st Class

Shortround6

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Crimea_River

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Shortround6

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herman1rg

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