B17 with 5 engines

[billy.leliveld]

I think this is a B17 with something added, does anybody knowns something more about this project?
Cheers, Billy

[Zathros]

Report (http://boards.historychannel.com/advise.jspa?forumID=101&threadID=117387&messageID=1276691)
" In 1946, two B-17Gs were modified as flying testbeds for experimental turboprop engines. The Boeing company number Model 299-Z was assigned to these planes. The military equipment was removed, the pilot's cockpit was moved farther back, and the nose was completely modified to accommodate the experimental engine.

The first conversion was of B-17G-110-VE serial number 44-85813. It was turned over to the Wright Aeronautical Company under a bailment contract as EB-17G, the E prefix meaning that the aircraft was exempt from all but the most urgent technical orders issued for the type. The aircraft was fitted with a 5500 hp Wright XT35 Typhoon turboprop in the nose. This engine was more powerful than all four of the standard Wright Cyclone piston engines operating together. However, the Wright Typhoon was ultimately unsuccessful, and did not go into production. The aircraft was later used to test the Wright XJ65 turbojet, the engine being slung below a streamlined nose structure and the intake being covered with a cap for protection during ferrying."

I found this on the Web, at History.com, actually.

[willygoat]

Look up JB-17G. There's quite a bit on Google. Some pictures show the turbo pulling the whole plane by itself! All the other engines are off and props feathered.

[billy.leliveld]

Thanks, guys, folowing Zathros information,found this; cute eh?

[SCEtoAUX]

That is an unusual looking aircraft.
Here is another photo.

[billy.leliveld]

That's cute, Scetoaux, now I found this one, same markings, but somebody deleted the engines...

[Zathros]

Maybe they should have taken off the other four engines, made it "gull winged". It would have been a F4U on steroids.

[rickstef]

Yeah but the cockpit would look nothing like a Corsair :p

[member_3]

That's what we need! More turbo-powered Corsairbell!

[Don Boose]

In this discussion (http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=46182) there are some interesting photos of a Lancastrian used as an engine test bed, including one shot of an engine mounted in the nose. I have a vague recollection of seeing a photo of a Vickers Wellington with an engine in the nose, but it may be a false memory. In any event, it DID NOT look like a Corsair.

Don