On this day in aviation history, 90 years ago—July 28, 1935—the Boeing Model 299 took to the skies for the first time. Known internally as the XB-17, this prototype was the direct predecessor of the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress, which would go on to play a pivotal role in securing Allied air superiority during World War II. Though the Model 299 differed slightly in appearance from the later production models, its overall form and capabilities laid the foundation for the legendary bomber.
The maiden flight took place at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington. Chief Test Pilot Leslie “Les” Tower and Boeing engineer Louis Waite were at the controls of aircraft number X13372 for a flight that lasted approximately 90 minutes. Afterward, Tower remarked, “It handles just like a little ship—a little bigger, of course.” The XB-17 immediately impressed as a well-balanced and pilot-friendly aircraft. Boeing designed the Model 299 in response to a 1934 U.S. Army Air Corps requirement for a long-range bomber capable of carrying a 2,000-pound bomb load over 2,000 miles at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour. Design work began in June 1934, and final assembly started just two months later, on August 16. Initially designated the B-299, the aircraft was later redesignated as the XB-17.
The XB-17 featured a wingspan of 103 feet and measured 68 feet, 9 inches in length. It had an empty weight of 21,657 pounds and a maximum gross weight of 38,053 pounds. The aircraft was powered by four Pratt & Whitney Hornet S1E-G nine-cylinder radial engines, each producing 750 horsepower. During test flights, the prototype demonstrated a cruising speed of 204 mph and a top speed of 236 mph. Its service ceiling reached 24,620 feet, with a maximum range of 3,101 miles—or 2,040 miles while carrying a 2,573-pound bomb load.
The Boeing Model 299’s successful flight and subsequent testing marked the beginning of a new era in strategic bombing. It ultimately evolved into the B-17 Flying Fortress, one of the most iconic and effective bombers of World War II. Today, many surviving B-17s can be found on static display, while a few continue to fly thanks to ongoing restoration efforts. Enthusiasts remain hopeful that more examples will soon return to the skies, honoring the legacy of this historic aircraft for future generations.
