KG200 mottled B-17 with a white swan

[Alessandro Nati Fornetti]

Most of you will be familiar with the KG200 operated B-17 in mottled camouflage, and with a white swan drawing. There are three pictures (by Dr.Ing.Karl Kossler) of this aircraft in H.H.Stapfer’s “Strangers in a Strange Land” (pp.73 and 75 top).
I’m trying to pinpoint, if not the actual identity, at least the likely block of this aircraft, something which is proving harder than I expected.
Thomas and Ketley in “KG200” (Hikoki) suggest 42-38017 and 42-39974. We can rule out the first, as it had the high-domed dorsal turret as seen on late Gs. The second was built with no cheek guns (they reappeared on the Vega production line from 42-97836), but I’m not sure if these could have been fitted at depot level.

Let’s have a look at what can be seen from the pics:

-It has the Bendix chin turret, like many late Fs and all Gs.
-It has the cheek guns, like many late Fs and all Gs from blocks G-60-BO, G-35VE and G-25DL.
-It has an “intermediate” dorsal turret, with the same base ring (with bolts showing) as the heavily framed turret used in Es and Fs, but with less frames. This same type shows well in the pics of 42-3190 (Hikoki pp.60-61).
-There are pitot tubes on both sides of the nose, while all Gs (and many late Fs) were supposed to have just the port one.
-To add confusion, the right side fuselage Balkenkreuz is very close to the access door, which suggests (but only SUGGESTS!) an aircraft with staggered side guns, introduced from blocks G-50-BO, G-50-VE and G-25-DL.
-Not much can be seen of the tail turret...

Trying to draw some conclusions, I’d say it’s a late G with staggered side guns and Cheyenne tail turret, but the dorsal turret doesn’t absolutely fit the picture.
And, of course, a couple of color profiles in the above mentioned books show it with open side guns and early tail turret…
So, at the moment I can’t find another B-17 showing exactly the same features and much less I can find a likely serial amongst the Fortresses known to have been in German hands.

Did anybody tackle the matter – or has a few more pics (LOL) ?

Thank You, and Best Regards

Alessandro Nati Fornetti

[Zemper]

The Grandson of the co-pilot of the B-17 #42-39974, later operated by KG200 (with a white swan on the nose) has information online that may be what you are looking for. His site can be seen here: http://www.bill-freeman.net/me/eighthaf/index.htm

The left side of the page has additional information about the aircraft, including pictures, the USAAF MACR, German KU Report, etc...

Also, the 452nd BG site lists this aircraft was lost due to a forced landing due to enemy fighters and captured by the Germans on April 9, 1944. Site can be seen here: http://www.angelfire.com/ne2/b17sunr...de/tables.html

Hope this helps - Zemper

[Alessandro Nati Fornetti]

Hi Zemper,
Thank You for the very interesting link!
I don't think it was 42-39974, as this aircraft shows the late type, high-dome dorsal turret (compare the relative depths of the base ring and the perspex dome).
Really, the swan aircraft is difficult to fit in any production block..!

All the Best

Alessandro