The table below shows the disposition of USAAF B-17s at the end of each month from November 1941 to August 1945. The first column gives the number of new B-17s accepted from factories and includes those that were subsequently delivered to the RAF and US Navy. The second column shows the end of month second column shows the end of month total of B-17s in USAAF service world-total of B-17s in USAAF service world-wide and the last two columns the distribution between the continental USA and overseas. From half to two-thirds of the USA monthly figure involves aircraft at modification centers or awaiting overseas delivery. The sharp increase in June and July 1945 is the result of B-17s being returned from Europe after hostilities ceased.  The average cost of a B-17B C and D, B-17Es and B-17Fs of 1942 averaged $258,949. In 1944 B-17Gs averaged $204,370 per unit and the final deliveries in 1945 were reduced to an average cost of 5187.742 each. This included the airframe and all equipment installed on the fly-away aircraft at the factory.

Appendix 2

USAAF B-17 Deployment in Theatres of War--November 1941 to August 1945

ETO -- European Theatre of Operations covered Western Europe and in this case applies only to B-17's of the 8th Air Force operating form the United Kingdom.   MTO -- Mediterranean Theatre of Operations covers B-17s operating from the Middle East (9th Air Force) until November 1942. then North Africa (12th Air Force) until November 1943, and thereafter Italy (15thAirForce).  POA -- Pacific Ocear. Area covering island groups across the central Pacific where eight B-17squadlons served with the 7th Air Force--until transferred to the FEAF.   FEAF-- Far East Air Forces applied to Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands where B-17s served with the 5th and 13th Air Forces in 16 squadrons at different times.   CBI -- China-Burna-India theatre found only a maximum of two B-17 squadrons operating in India and Burma with the 10th Air Force.  The figures given cover only bomber configured B-17s and not those designated for other purposes such as transport or air-sea rescue. For example, there were an average of 20 B-17Gs converted as airborne lifeboat carriers and for special transports with the 20th Air Force in the Marianas Islands during the summer of 1945. Neither do the figures include second-line aircraft used for training and communications work. An average 120 war-weary B-17s were in hand for such duties during the period May 1944 - May 1945.  ALASKA -- The 11th Air Force engaged in operations against the Japanese in the Aleutian Islands and had a single B-17 squadron for some months.