B-17 Flying Fortress Survivors: Memphis Belle

This B-17F Flying Fortress is on static display inside the World War II hangar at the Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, near Wright-Patterson AFB.

The famed B-17F Memphis Belle became the first heavy bomber to return to the US after flying 25 missions over Europe. The aircraft and crew then returned to the United States to sell war bonds.

The aircraft was named after pilot Robert K Morgan's sweetheart, Margaret Polk, a resident of Memphis, Tennessee.

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.

Other Surviving B-17 Flying Fortresses

A total of 39 surviving B-17 airframes are located in the United States. Eight (8) B-17s are still airworthy today. An additional eighteen (18) B-17s are on static display around the United States, and thirteen (13) aircraft are undergoing restoration or are in storage.

Seven (7) more B-17s are located in the UK, France and Brazil.

View a list of all surviving B-17 Flying Fortress with models, serial numbers, aircraft name, restoration status and location by state.

B-17 Flying Fortress "Memphis Belle" Photos

Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress "Memphis Belle" on public display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.