Guillows b-17g flying fortress wwii balsa plane model kitthe b-17 lived up to its. Flying fortress. Nickname during world war 2 when it penetrated deep into the third reich to blast german war production facilities. Bristling with machine guns, the. G. Version of the b-17 was a formidable opponent for enemy fighters being able to absorb extensive battle damage and still survive to deliver its bomb cargo on designated targets. Flown by the eighth air force, the b-17g proved the feasibility of strategic daytime bombing at a time when the concept was questioned because of losses suffered from enemy defenses during the early war years. The superior combat record of the b-17 won it a deserved reputation as one of aviation. S most successful bomber designs. Wing span: 45. Scale: 1/28"