B-17E “Desert Rat” Restoration Update



Picture by Bruce Johnson of , the official corporate sponsor of the Desert Rat Restoration.
Picture by Bruce Johnson of  Itsyourplane.com , the official corporate sponsor of the Desert Rat Restoration.

 

A new benchmark has been reached for the Desert Rat, B-17e Flying Fortress restoration.  The “turtle deck” is now fully sheathed in aluminum.  Due to extremely cold temperatures, work in the hanger has slowed, but we are able to stay productive fabricating needed Plexiglas units in the heated shop.

Recently Mike Kellner, with much assistance from Chris Gibson, had completed the arduous task of installing the top turret shroud on the Desert Rat.  The tolerances required were exacting.  In combat, the flight engineer manned this position.

The restoration of B-17E 41-2595 is underway in Marengo, Illinois.

To support this restoration project, click here ItsYourAirplane.com

Click HERE to donate to help the B-17e “Desert Rat” restoration project.

Moreno-Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

Array
About Moreno Aguiari 3370 Articles
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

5 Comments

  1. I’m very impressed with all you re doing to restore this beautiful airplane in that tight building you are using. I would like to sign up for your newsletter.

    Thank you

    -Pete-

  2. We were at your shop a couple of years ago, we’d like to come back an visit again to see the progress. Thanks for you’re dedication in preserving such an important piece of history

Graphic Design, Branding and Aviation Art

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*