- For the Empire Earth unit, see B-17 Bomber.
Description[]
The B-17 Flying Fortress is an American World War II bomber in Empires: Dawn of the Modern World. It is upgraded from the Caproni Bomber for 170 Gold 
.
Like other American bombers, it can make multiple bombing passes in the same flight.
Strengths[]
- Good vs. land units.
Weaknesses[]
- Weak vs. anti-air units and Fighters.
Description[]
One of the hallmarks of American strategy in World War II was the massive strategic bombing campaign waged against both Germany and Japan. The airplane that, more than any other, made those massive raids possible was Boeing's B-17 "Flying Fortress", one of the most recognizable and famous aircraft in aviation history. From its origins as a prototype in the mid-1930s, the B-17 matured into a devastatingly effective strategic bomber. Weighing in at over 27 tons loaded, the four-engine bomber could carry 6,000 pounds of bombs, and in its common B-17G configuration, 13 .50 calibre machine guns as well. It's range of over 1800 miles and top speed of 300 MPH made the Flying Fortress a truly modern aircraft. Alone, it was often able to fight its way to a target and back even when faced with enemy fighter aircraft. Escorted by American fighters, the B-17 proved to be doubly formidable.
As befits its historical role, in Empires the B-17 gives the United States a powerful World War II-era bomber that can serve as the centerpiece for an aerial attack. In much the same way that the US 8th Air Force in WWII mounted 1000-plane raids on German industry, in Empires the US player can launch a fleet of B-17s in a veritable firestorm of offensive might. Enemy defenses will have to be very tough to stop the B-17, too; it's ability to absorb damage and keep flying is also accurately reflected. While bombers for most nations in Empires are just one of many military tools, for the American player the B-17 is an integral part of any World War II period offensive. It's powerful attack and ability to revisit targets makes it the most versatile bomber of its time.
And like its historical counterpart, the Flying Fortress is best used en masse. Where one B-17 will annoy an enemy, a fleet of a six or twelve will ruthlessly destroy most attacking armies or forward cities. Launched from safe havens well back from the front lines, the mighty Boeing might not win the war single-handed, but it will move the American war effort much closer to victory. It's offensive power and defensive durability make the B-17 much more than just another air unit. Properly used, it should be a mainstay of the US war machine.[1]
See also[]
References[]
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