The Boeing B-17 lived up to its 'Flying Fortress' nickname during World War II when it penetrated deep into the Third Reich to blast German war production facilities. Bristling with machine guns, the 'G' version of the B-17 was a formidable opponent for enemy fighters being able to absorb extensive battle damage and still survive to deliver its bomb cargo on designated targets. Flown by the Eighth Air Force, the B-17G proved the feasibility of strategic daytime bombing at a time when the concept was questioned because of losses suffered from enemy defenses during the early war years. The superior combat record of the B-17 won it a deserved reputation as one of aviation's most successful bomber designs.