Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" Restoration Begins(April 2023)

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is beginning the restoration/conservation of the B-17D The Swoose(April 2023). The only early "shark fin" B-17 known to exist and is the only surviving B-17 to have seen action in the Philippines in the opening days of WWII in the Pacific.

During its service life in combat, it was known as Ole Betsy. After seeing initial combat in the Philippines, it was evacuated to Australia in 1942. While undergoing depot repairs, the tail of another B-17D was attached to the original aircraft, and the aircraft was renamed The Swoose - a combination of a swan and a goose. At that time, new art was added to the right side of the aircraft. The aircraft never returned to combat, and ultimately became a transport aircraft for General George Brett, serving in that capacity until its retirement in December 1945. During its later service life, additional modifications were done to the aircraft wings and other structures.

In considering how best to preserve the aircraft, the NMUSAF is opting to take a combined restoration/conservation approach to bring the aircraft back to life in its transport configuration. The numerous modifications done over the years; the existence of original art and markings; and the components the NMUSAF possesses all point to this configuration being the best choice. By combining both restoration and conservation, the NMUSAF intends to preserve as much of the original markings as possible.

NMUSAF estimates the work will take at least 7 years.

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