Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" Restoration

DAYTON, Ohio(July 2025) -- Restoration specialist Chad Vanhook applies rivets that secure two pieces of metal together by deforming the tail end of a solid rivet, creating a shop head that holds the pieces in compression and shear. The Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" is undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. Originally named Ole Betsy, this B-17D participated in several bombing missions in the desperate weeks after Pearl Harbor. Later named The Swoose, it also served as a transport for the commander of Allied air forces in the Southwest Pacific, Lt. Gen. George Brett.

PHOTO BY: Ken LaRock

VIRIN: 250702-F-IO108-0005.JPG

FULL SIZE: 2.94 MB

Additional Details

CAMERA

NIKON Z 6_2

LENS

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

APERTURE

450/100

SHUTTERSPEED

10/2500

ISO

200

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

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Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" Restoration

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN