B-17 with exotic painting

[johnniewc68]

I share with you some photos of a Boeing B-17 bomber with an exotic and unusual camouflage. Does anyone know if this plane entered service and what the function of this painting? I count on your visit.


http://aviacaoemfloripa.blogspot.com.br/2011/01/boeing-b-17-flying-fortress-spotted-cow.html


Best Regards,

John

[rockodman]

1. B-17

I'm pretty sure it indicates it was a "form up?" (probably wrong term) plane that circled the air base as a mission was launching until the entire group was airborne and in formation then the missions lead B-17 led them to the target and the form up plane started the process with the next group. The paint was not black and white but bright colors. I have seen pictures of other crazy paint schemes for them.

[catnhatnh]

2. Exactly right!

Here's a link with more info including some photos and computer sims of actual assembly ships (proper term). The site itself is worth a read for warbird fans...


http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/aircraft-pictures/story-17-a-19761.html

By the by-"Spotted Cow" first flew 61 combat missions as "Patches II".

[catnhatnh]

3. More...

Every group had their own assembly bird. With all those bombers climbing over England for a raid, it was easy to think one group was yours when it wasn't. Especially later in the war when there were 1000 plane raids. Think of 1000 airplanes climbing off bases in a space the size of New Jersey. And that's not even including the fighters. Jeez, it must've been a mess.

[rockodman]

4. B-17

After searching the internet I have found them listed as assembly ships, formation ships, and formation monitors. This link shows some color pictures as well as some B-24's.

http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/418920-B-17-Assembly-Ships-Forums