Warbird Information Exchange

Noted that some B-17 Flying Fortress's were converted to SAR/Search and Rescue aircraft.
I'll post what pictures I have but please add more if you have them.




A U.S. Air Force Air Rescue Service Boeing SB-17G Flying Fortress of the 5th Rescue Squadron before takeoff for the next rescue mission during the Korean War. Note the Consolidated OA-10A Catalina (PBY) in the background.
Source: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force photo 100617-F-1234S-008


An B-17H Flying Fortress "Pretty Baby" of the 5th Rescue Group, Ie Shima, July 1945.
Source: United States Air Force


An B-17H Flying Fortress of the 5th Rescue Group, Ie Shima, August 1945.
Source: United States Air Force


SB-17 Flying Fortress.
Source: United States Air Force


SB-17G Flying Fortress of the 51st Rescue Squadron at Narsarsuaq Air Base, Greenland
Source: United States Air Force


SB-17G Flying Fortress/44-83773 over Diamond Head, Oahu, Hawaii, late 1940s
Source: United States Air Force


U.S. Coast Guard PB-1G search and rescue plane in flight, 1946
Source: United States Coast Guard

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Guess B-29s got in on the fun too...


SB-29 "Super Dumbo", a post-World War II variant of the B-29 Superfortress, with an air-droppable EDO A-3 lifeboat rigged underneath
Source: United States Air Force


Radio Rescue Boat being fitted to a B-29. USA, September 1952.
Source: LIFE/Photographer: Robert W. Kelley

_________________
Scott Rose
Editor-In-Chief/Webmaster
Warbirds Resource Group - Warbird Information Exchange - Warbird Registry

Be civil, be polite, be nice.... or be elsewhere.
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This site is brought to you with the support of members like you. If you find this site to be of value to you,
consider supporting this forum and the Warbirds Resource Group with a VOLUNTARY subscription
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Thanks to everyone who has so generously supported the site. We really do appreciate it.

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Anyone know if any of the SB-29 EDO boats survive?

I think Pima might have one, but I wonder if any were bought surplus and used as boats?

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Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.
Note political free signature.
I figure if you wanted my opinion on items unrelated to this forum, you'd ask for it.

There is an A-3 boat on display in Dayton. A photo is mixed in with the slide show at this link:

https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit ... m-the-sky/

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"Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves."

A survivor, more or less:
http://www.warbirdregistry.org/b29regis ... 84084.html

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

I'm not sure how many SB-17Gs were converted, but it's a LOT! I also not quite a few accident losses among them. Conversion was done mainly at Olmsted (Wiki says 12 USAF, but that is a long way off).

According to the old "Detail and Scale" monograph 130 B-17's were converted to B-17H's and later re-designated as SB-17G's. And were kept in service until 1956.

Along with the SB-17 I'd think this would fit your criteria. 5th ERS (the emblem of which was painted on a number of post war S&R planes) P-47D with life rafts on the wing pylons and smoke markers under the fuselage.

That sounds more like it

Thanks for posting Scott, interesting to note the B-17s' at Ie Shima. Seems they did not waste anytime making use of the base and I am sure it would have been a major player in the cancelled operation Downfall.

I note 4 airstrips or remains thereof on Ie Shima all in a neat line. https://goo.gl/maps/kTvtqWi2HwCsgkz57

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old school enthusiast of Civiltary Warbirds and Air Racers