B17F Memphis Belle on ABC 2020 in 1986 produced by Pete Simmons with Hugh Downs recorded in Memphis Tennessee. Footage of the Belle from spring of 2018 is added to the end at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton Ohio. We do not claim copyright on ABC footage and NMUSAF footage at the end is in public domain.

The B17F was the fastest model and the primary heavy bomber early in the strategic bombing campaign. The later B17G had a nose turret for better frontal defense, and it was also the most numerous, representing about two thirds of all B17s made. By the end of production in May 1945, more than 12,700 B17s had been built.


The aircraft on display, the famed B17F Memphis Belle, became the first heavy bomber to return to the US after flying 25 missions over Europe. The Memphis Belle, which had been on loan from the Air Force to the city of Memphis, was relocated to the Museum in 2005, and after years of meticulous restoration, it was placed on public display in May 2018.