B-17 Waist Gunner Figure

Description

B-17 Waist Gunner Figure:

21st Century Toys, Ulitmate Soldier line, the B-17 Waist Gunner "The Mighty Eight Air Force" World War II 12 inch figure boxed set. Product color and style may vary. Accessories included.

In the history of aviation, one of the most famous, most recognizable and enduring war planes of all was the B-17 bomber of World War II. Fighting in both the Pacific and European campaigns, it has gained an almost mythical status. There are numerous cases of B-17's suffering such severe damage that they wouldn't even be considered air-worthy, yet they continued on.

Two waist gunners, each armed with a 50 caliber machine gun, protected either side of the vulnerable mid section.

Capable of high altitude flying in excess of 35,000 feet for long periods, the crew of the bomber was subject to extreme cold. The need for special flying suits was a necessity and cold weather gear was developed. The best available at that time was the heavy shearling suits, however sometimes even that was not enough. As a result, electricity heated suits were developed. Heavy gloves were worn to stop hands from freezing to the metal surfaces.