[Llarry]

The only surviving early B-17, a B-17D model named the Swoose, is currently under restoration by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. This aircraft was present in the Philippines when the Japanese attacked in December of 1941 and somehow survived the early battles. Not long afterwards, it was selected as a VIP transport for the general commanding the Far East Air Force.

This early model did not have the tail guns of the B-17E and later variants.

The restoration is estimated to take years.