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  B-17G-85-DL "Fuddy Duddy" Serial Number 44-83563  
USAAF

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Justin Taylan 2010

Aircraft History
Built by by Douglas at Long Beach under contract for Boeing. Constructors Number 32204. On April 7, 1945 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-17G-85-DL Flying Fortress serial number 44-83563. Converted to CB-17G staff transport, later to VB-17G.

In 1945 operated in the Philippines. During 1952, returned to the United States for overhaul then flown across the Pacific to Japan assigned to the 6000th Base Service Group. In 1955, returned to the United States. During June 1955 officially stricken off charge and placed into storage for a month at Patterson Field, Ohio.

On August 18, 1959 sold to American Compressed Steel. In 1960 to Aero American Corp and registered as N9563Z. During this period, leased to Columbia Pictures and used in the film The War Lover. Flown to the United Kingdom on May 16, 1962 and painted to represent B-17 41-27742 / DF-T. Afterwards, stored at Ryan Field, Arizona.

Next, sold to Aircraft Specialties, Inc in Mesa, AZ and flown as an aerial tanker, #E24, #C24, #24, #89. During January 1969, flown to Hawaii for use in the film Tora! Tora! Tora!.

In 1981 sold to Globe Air, Inc. Mesa, AZ and flown as tanker #89. In 1985, sold to the National Warplane Museum of Genesco, NY and is maintained in flying condition until 2002. Next, to Wings Of Eagles Museum from 2004-2005.

Sold to Lawrence Kadish, who loaned it to the American Airpower Museum, NY. Painted in the markings of B-17G "Fuddy Duddy" 42-97400 tail K-E.

In 2006, sold to Martin Aviation. Since 2009, displayed at Lyon Air Museum.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-17G-85-DL Flying Fortress 44-83563
This B-17 has appeared in Hollywood movies including The War Lover and Tora! Tora! Tora!
Warbird Registry - B-17 "Fuddy Duddy" 44-83563

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Last Updated
March 1, 2024

 

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