YB-40 Gun Fortress
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The YB-40 Gun Fortress was used operationally in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) between May and July 1943 by the 92nd Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at RAF Alconbury, England. It was designed as a bomber escort to protect B-17s during daylight raids over occupied Europe and Germany.
Key details about the YB-40's usage:
- Operational Missions: The YB-40 flew several missions against targets including U-boat pens at Saint-Nazaire, and industrial targets in Germany (such as Kiel, Hüls, and Kassel).
- Performance Issues: The aircraft was found to be too slow to keep up with standard B-17 formations, especially on the return leg after the bombers dropped their payloads.
- Role: Despite having up to 16 or more .50 caliber machine guns, it was deemed ineffective and replaced by long-range fighters like the P-47 and P-51, after which the remaining YB-40s were returned to the U.S. for training.
- Operational Period: They participated in missions, such as the May 29, 1943 raid on Saint-Nazaire, and continued through July 1943.
