Posted by David Sherman on Monday, July 10, 2006 at 11:41AM :
In Reply to: Re: OT posted by Doc Dave on Monday, July 10, 2006 at 7:12AM :
The "flying fortresses" were legendary for returning to base even though shot up to a degree that no modern aircraft could survive. Part of the reason was that skin was not designed to be such a vital part of the structure as it is today. The frame alone could carry most of the load. Another thing is that the B17s weren't pressurized. The crews wore heated flight suits and oxygen masks when at altitude. That meant that puncturing the skin didn't cause any sudden change in stresses that could make a puncture turn into a long rip.
The crew wore flak jackets, which saved many lives. I believe bomber crews were the only personel in WWII who were issued any sort of body armor. That was partly because of the danger they were in, but it was also because unlike infantrymen they didn't have to move around very much. Then as now, body armor is heavy and stiff.