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SB-17 Air Rescue
Unassembled plastic model kit

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DISCONTINUED This product has been discontinued
and is no longer available.
List price: $32.00
You pay: $22.39
(All prices in U.S. Dollars)

Manufacturer: Academy Models
Stock Number: ACD 2165
Scale: 1/72
View all products of type "B-17"

This model kit requires assembly. Cement, paint and other construction materials not included unless specifically stated in the description.

In 1943, the Army Air Force tested the feasibility of air-dropping a British Mark II rescue boat from a B-17E Flying Fortress. The concept worked well, but the seven man capacity of the Mark II was deemed inadequate considering the 10-man average crew size of a WWII bomber.

In 1944, calls for development of a larger air/sea rescue boat were answered by Higgins Industries who given a sole source contract to build 300 boats. By January 1945, sufficient boats had been delivered to start operations using converted B-17G bombers. The first rescue was made in April 1945 off the cast of Denmark.

The SB-17G deployed its boat over the downed airmen at about 1,500 feet. Three 48 foot standard cargo parachutes lowered the boat to the water at a 50 degree angle. Upon impact, rocket-propelled 200 yard sidelines were expelled from the boat for the downed airmen to grab hold of and pull themselves toward the boat. The parachutes acted as sea anchors to keep the vessel in place during the rescue operation.
  • Fully engraved panel lines & rivet detail.
  • Highly detailed cockpit interior & bomb bay.
  • Optional position landing gear & bomb bay door.








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