United Airlines modification center, Cheyenne

Airfield
media-45630.jpeg UPL 45630 B-17's being processed at the Boeing/United Airlines B-17 Modification Center at Cheyenne AAF, Wyoming

Object Number - UPL 45630 - B-17's being processed at the Boeing/United Airlines B-17 Modification Center at Cheyenne AAF, Wyoming

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Detailed History

During World War II the airport was a completion and modification center for B-17s. Captain Ralph S. Johnson was a test pilot for the then United States Army Air Corps, forerunner to the United States Air Force. The tail turret on the B-17 is known as the "Cheyenne" turret because it was invented at Cheyenne. United Airlines maintained its Douglas DC-3s at Cheyenne; in 1946 it had 1400 employees based locally.  Until 1961 the airport was the training center for United Airlines stewardesses from across the country.

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Swiss Miss
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 545th Bomb Squadron
An airman of the 95th Bomb Group with a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-102447) nicknamed "El's Belles". First handwritten caption on reverse: 'F/L on last of 365's bases in Belgium other side "Angels Sister" [name struck-out and annotated 'No'] 365 FG C Johnson/icm/75' Second handwritten caption on reverse: 'BG-A 95 BG.'
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: El's Belles
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron
Ten men in Air Force uniform posed in front of a military airplane.  Five men standing to the rear, five men kneeling in front.  The men are wearing combat flying gear.  Large canvas bags are laying in front of kneeling men
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Hale's Angels
  • Unit: 547th Bomb Squadron 384th Bomb Group
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Lucky Lady : Screaming Eagle
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 95th Bomb Group 335th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

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Contributoracbernstein1
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Sources

AAM

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Contributor466thHistorian
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Contributor466thHistorian
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United Airlines modification center, Cheyenne: Gallery (1 items)