What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The B-17 Flying Fortress and B-29 Superfortress were both four-engine American heavy bombers, but they answered different strategic problems. The B-17 became the symbol of daylight bombing over Europe, while the later B-29 was designed to carry substantial loads over the much longer distances required for the Pacific war against Japan. In that mission, the B-29 offered the range, payload capacity and pressurized crew environment that the B-17 could not provide.
The short answer: mission mattered more than a simple “better” rating
The B-17 first flew on July 28, 1935, and became the best-known U.S. heavy bomber of the European theater. Its design emphasized heavy defensive armament, a large crew and the ability to make daylight raids from British bases against targets in occupied Europe and Germany. More than 12,000 B-17s had been produced by the end of World War II, according to the National WWII Museum.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The B-29 was a later-generation aircraft intended for long-range strategic operations. The U.S. Department of War explained that missions against Japan could require flights of more than 3,000 miles and that the B-17 did not have enough range or payload capacity for that requirement. B-29 operations therefore developed around bases in India and China, then the Marianas, and later Iwo Jima. Effective U.S. strategic bombing from the Marianas began in late 1944.
That makes the B-29 a successor for a specific strategic job, not a universal replacement for every B-17 operation. The B-17 remained highly important in Europe, where its range and bomb load fit the theater once long-range fighter escorts became available.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
B-17 and B-29 compared at a glance
| Comparison point | B-17 Flying Fortress | B-29 Superfortress |
|---|---|---|
| Primary historical association | U.S. daylight heavy-bomber operations over Europe, especially with the Eighth Air Force | Long-distance strategic bombing against Japan from Pacific and China-Burma-India bases |
| First flight or combat-era position | First flew July 28, 1935; an established heavy bomber by the time the United States entered the war | Later-generation bomber introduced to meet intercontinental-range and high-altitude strategic requirements |
| Crew environment | The B-17E exhibit lists a 10-person crew | The Smithsonian describes it as the first bomber to house its crew in pressurized compartments; a verified crew count is not stated here |
| General performance summary | The National WWII Museum’s 2020 summary gives 6,000 pounds of bombs, 300 mph and 2,000 miles of range. Those are broad B-17 figures, not a single variant’s guaranteed load-and-range combination. | The National Museum of the United States Air Force search-result summary reports combat missions carrying loads up to 20,000 pounds against targets as far as 1,500 miles from base. This is operational context, not a universal maximum specification. |
| B-17E exhibit figures | 104-foot wingspan; 74-foot length; 318 mph maximum speed; 226 mph cruise speed; 3,200-mile maximum range; 4,200-pound maximum bomb load | Not stated in the verified source set |
| Defensive systems | Heavy defensive guns and a reputation for toughness; unescorted operations against strong German fighter and air-defense opposition proved unsustainable | Boeing describes remotely controlled gun turrets; comparative combat effectiveness or loss rates are not established by the available sources |
| Best description of the difference | A rugged heavy bomber optimized for the European daylight-bombing campaign | A larger-range strategic system built around distance, payload and high-altitude crew operations |
The numerical rows require care. The B-17E figures are for one named variant, while the museum’s 2020 article gives a broad B-17 summary. The B-29 payload figure comes from a description of combat missions. None of these figures should be treated as a matched laboratory comparison, and a bomber’s maximum range and maximum bomb load were not necessarily achieved on the same mission.
Why the Pacific created a different bomber requirement
Distance was the decisive constraint
European targets were reachable from British bases with the B-17, although the flights were dangerous and demanded fighter protection. The Pacific presented a different map. Bases were separated by vast ocean distances, and missions to Japan could exceed 3,000 miles. The Department of War’s 2019 account identifies the B-17’s lack of sufficient range or payload for those missions as a central reason the United States needed a new long-range bomber.
The B-29 campaign illustrates how geography shaped aircraft design. Early operations used bases in India and China, where supplying and supporting the bomber force was difficult. Once airfields in the Marianas became available, B-29 units could conduct sustained strategic operations against Japan. Iwo Jima later provided another important base and staging option. The aircraft was therefore part of a network of island bases, fuel, maintenance and escort planning—not a machine that made geography irrelevant.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Payload had to survive the long flight
A bomber flying thousands of miles must carry fuel for the outbound leg, combat operations, reserves and the return journey. That fuel competes with bomb weight and limits what can be carried to the target. The B-29’s documented operational missions, described by the Air Force museum as carrying up to 20,000 pounds against targets as far as 1,500 miles from base, show the scale of capability achieved under particular combat conditions.
By contrast, the National WWII Museum gives the B-17 a general summary of 6,000 pounds of bombs and a 2,000-mile range. Its separate B-17E exhibit lists a 4,200-pound maximum bomb load and 3,200-mile maximum range. Those values come from different source contexts and should not be combined into one definitive B-17 specification. The B-17E’s maximum range and maximum bomb load also should not be assumed to occur simultaneously.
Crew environment and high-altitude operation
The B-17’s large, exposed crew system
The B-17E exhibit identifies a 10-person crew. Those airmen operated in a long, narrow fuselage with stations spread among the cockpit, nose, waist, radio compartment and tail. Defensive guns gave the aircraft all-around firepower, but the crew worked in an unpressurized environment at altitude and depended on oxygen equipment and heated clothing.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The aircraft’s toughness became a major part of its public reputation. That reputation should not be confused with immunity from fighter defenses. The National WWII Museum records that B-17 formations suffered heavily over Europe and could not continue unescorted into strongly defended German airspace. The arrival of P-51 escorts changed the operational situation by helping bombers reach and leave targets with fighter protection.
The B-29’s pressurized compartments
The Smithsonian describes the B-29 as the first bomber to house its crew in pressurized compartments. This was a major engineering change for high-altitude, long-distance missions. Pressurization addressed the crew-environment problem created by extended operations at altitude; it was not merely an interior comfort feature. The B-29 still required oxygen, heating, life-support and complex systems, but the pressurized sections allowed crew members to operate in a controlled atmosphere while the aircraft cruised at high altitude.
Because the available sources do not provide a directly verified B-29 crew count, dimensions or a matched altitude comparison, those details should not be inferred from the B-17 figures. The defensible comparison is the design principle: the B-17 used an unpressurized heavy-bomber layout, while the B-29 introduced pressurized crew compartments as part of its long-range design.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Speed: what can and cannot be compared
The B-17E exhibit lists a maximum speed of 318 mph and a cruise speed of 226 mph. The National WWII Museum’s general B-17 summary instead gives 300 mph, illustrating why variant and source context matter.
A complete, directly checked B-29 speed figure is not established in the available official pages. It is therefore misleading to publish a precise B-29-versus-B-17 speed ratio here. The B-29’s significance rests on its integrated range, payload and high-altitude systems rather than on one unsupported headline speed number.
Defensive armament and survivability
Why the B-17’s guns were not the whole answer
The B-17 was built around multiple defensive gun positions and formation tactics. Its nickname and wartime image reflect the ability of damaged aircraft to sometimes return home, but survivability depended on the threat, formation discipline, weather, maintenance and fighter support. The documented inability to continue unescorted deep into heavily defended German airspace is an important limit on the “Flying Fortress” legend.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
How the B-29 changed turret control
Boeing’s product-history description identifies remotely controlled gun turrets on the B-29. Remote control allowed the aircraft’s defensive system to be arranged around sighting and fire-control requirements rather than requiring every gun position to be occupied by a gunner exposed at a window. That is a design distinction, not proof that one aircraft had a universally lower loss rate or was always safer. The available evidence does not provide a matched B-17/B-29 effectiveness study.
Was the B-29 simply a bigger B-17?
Calling the B-29 a “bigger B-17” misses the reason it was developed. Both were four-engine heavy bombers, but the B-29 combined a new long-range requirement with pressurized crew compartments, different defensive-gun arrangements and the infrastructure needed to operate from remote bases. Its strategic value came from delivering substantial bomb loads across distances that the B-17 could not cover effectively.
The B-17, meanwhile, was not an obsolete aircraft in every theater. Its European role involved sustained daylight campaigns, mass formations and evolving escort doctrine. The aircraft’s production scale—more than 12,000 by the end of the war—also made it a central part of U.S. air power. A B-29’s superiority for a 3,000-mile Pacific mission does not erase the B-17’s suitability for a shorter-range European mission.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →How to choose between them for a historical comparison
- Choose the B-17 as the representative aircraft when the subject is the Eighth Air Force, daylight bombing from Britain, formation defense or the effect of P-51 escorts.
- Choose the B-29 when the subject is strategic bombing against Japan, Pacific base geography, very long missions or pressurized bomber design.
- Use variant labels. If you quote the 318 mph speed, 226 mph cruise speed, 3,200-mile range or 4,200-pound bomb load, identify them as B-17E exhibit specifications.
- Keep operational and specification figures separate. The B-29’s 20,000-pound figure is reported combat-mission context, while B-17 figures come from a general summary or a specific exhibit.
- Avoid absolute survivability claims. Defensive guns and remote turrets describe equipment; they do not by themselves establish lower losses or better crew outcomes.
What the famous “bomber will always get through” line means here
The National WWII Museum quotes the maxim “the bomber will always get through” and attributes it to British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin. In the B-17’s actual European experience, the statement was not a guarantee of safe penetration. Heavy losses to fighters and air defenses showed that bombers needed an evolving system of tactics and escorts. The quote is useful as historical context, but the museum account is a secondary source rather than an independent verification against Baldwin’s original speech.
For model builders and displayers
The National WWII Museum store has listed a B-17 Flying Fortress InAir kit in 1:48 and a B-29 Superfortress InAir E-Z Build kit in 1:144. Those scales are different, so the kits are separate collectibles rather than a same-scale size comparison. Retail stock and prices can change; check the current listing before planning a purchase.
Bottom line
The B-17 Flying Fortress was the proven daylight heavy bomber of the European campaign: heavily armed, produced in enormous numbers and effective when integrated with fighter escorts and formation tactics. The B-29 Superfortress was the next-generation answer to a different problem—carrying a substantial payload across the immense distances to Japan. Its pressurized crew compartments and documented long-range combat capability mark a major design step. Calling the B-29 “better” is accurate for the Pacific strategic mission it was built to perform, but the B-17 remained the more historically appropriate aircraft for the European daylight-bombing role.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
