B-17 Bomber Undergoes Restoration at Mighty Eighth Museum

At one point in time there were thirteen thousand of them… now there are only forty six remaining.
A critical weapon in World War Two the B-17 bomber, otherwise known as a Flying Fortress is considered a national treasure.
As New Three’s Alice Massimi found out…lucky for you there is now one right in our backyard.

   
It’s been around the world.
A key weapon in World War Two this B-17 has seen it’s share of action and is now enjoying retirement at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler.
“It’s the main aircraft flown by the 8th Air Force during World War Two. It’s the largest air craft flown that the Americans had,” explains Mandy Livingston of the Museum.
Used in bombing raids all over Europe, at one point in time it made up the largest air armada in U.S. History, one of many reasons why it’s being treated with T.L.C. by those taking the time to restore it.   
At a length of 74 feet and with a wingspan of about 103 feet there is a lot of work to be done on this which is why the Mighty Eighth Museum says it will take about 2 years to fully restore.
Taking part in the tedious process is a crew from International Aero Services, donating their time to make sure this baby shines.
“There is so much collected corrosion and paint and materials that are unknown to get down to bring it back to what it is will be a lot of work, “explains Steve Ward of International Aero Services. 
The group has already put in more than 100 hours but for Steve its no big deal.
“I come from an aviation family, my dad flew B-24s during the war so I feel like it is a chance for me personally to try and preserve some part of history for future generations,” says Ward. 

If you would like to catch a glimpse of the B-17 and the work being done on it you can visit the museum 7 days a week.
It’s located in Pooler right off of I-95.