The Boeing 17 Flying Fortress was a heavy bomber, that was used by the United States Strategic Air Force during World War II. It first flew in 1935, and was introduced in 1938. It had a shorter range, and a smaller bomb load, than its sister bomber the B-24 Liberator, but it had more defensive armament. It dropped large amounts of bombs during air raids against Germany, such as the raid on Dresden. The B-17 was also used in the Pacific, including the Battle of Midway. The Flying Fortress had its name for a good reason, it could survive the hits, being able to fly while under intense enemy fire. The B-17 was a heavy bomber plane that carried 2 tons of bombs. Not many B-17's survived WWII. It was the result of lots of opposition and the lack of escort by fighters. Although the Flying Fortress shot down many opposing fighters they also took a beating. Later in WWII, the U.S. increased escort fighters for the bombers giving more protection. The escort fights flew until the end of WWII.