What was this B-17 Test Bed used for? ...

[Mark Allen M]

Not sure why this setup would have been needed. For pilots?, mechanics? both?

[junkman9096]

It looks like a B-17 version of a Captivair trainer. A student operates all the controls (engine, landing gear etc) for familiarization in a manner that won't result in a damaged aircraft. Many times there was a hut nearby with a second set of instruments that an instructor could monitor the aircraft condition. Used widely during and after WWII.

[JohnB]

I have read that when a freshly overhauled engine was put on an aircraft, it needed to be flown for a few hours to "break in" the engine. (I think I saw that in "Serenade to a Big Bird". The chore was delegated to new co-pilots).
Typically, that meant local flights.

Perhaps this was a set-up to allow that without flying a complete plane...which might be good training for the crew but a waste of fuel and hours on the other three engines and airframe.

[quemerford]

It looks to me like a training aid: lots of meek-looking students either undergoing basic tech training or refresher training on their new type. With this type of setup it would be easy to do "remove engine" - "reinstall engine" - "leak check" - "ground run" etc and demonstrate various features with half of the class outside watching the effect and the other half in the test cabin watching the gauges.

[Paul Stroud]

It looks to me like a training aid: lots of meek-looking students either undergoing basic tech training or refresher training on their new type. With this type of setup it would be easy to do "remove engine" - "reinstall engine" - "leak check" - "ground run" etc and demonstrate various features with half of the class outside watching the effect and the other half in the test cabin watching the gauges.

The RAF had a similar set up at RAF Halton with Beaufighter Mk1 X7688, which was later registered as G-DINT but I believe is now in Australia? Edit- found link https://warbirdsnews.com/warbird-restor ... ralia.html

[JohnTerrell]

The photo comes from a BNN article that was published last spring about Boeing's "Bomber School". Scroll down into the article and there is a description about this particular trainer setup as well as some of the school's other teaching aids. Screen captures were copied from a posting on Facebook.

[bdk]

The photo comes from a BNN article that was published last spring about Boeing's "Bomber School". Scroll down into the article and there is a description about this particular trainer setup as well as some of the school's other teaching aids. Screen captures were copied from a posting on Facebook.

Great find!

[Mark Allen M]

Thanks John and all for the posts. Good stuff indeed.

M