World War II War Production

The United States war production capacity played a significant role in the Allied victory in World War II. The aircraft industry in particular rallied to mass produce thousands of aircraft to support the war efforts in both theaters. Mass production led to the dilemma of sacrificing quantity for quality. This research focuses on one aspect of this issue-in particular the mass production of B-17s and B-24s and why they were produced in parallel. The methodology followed in conducting this research included the use of historical books and published document collections. In addition, historical records, such as field surveys conducted during the war years and official Army Air Forces correspondence, were used. The research includes an explanation of the aircraft industry as well as facts and information on the production of the B-17 and B-24 aircraft. Reliability and maintainability problems associated with the two bombers are discussed, including those which led to accidents and aircraft failures. The findings presented are based on combat effectiveness as well as economic and political issues.