Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress N900RW as 238050 BN-U “Thunderbird” | WWII Bomber Photo by Stuart H. Bourne
This archival aviation photograph features the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress N900RW, painted to represent the celebrated 238050 BN-U “Thunderbird” of the 303rd Bombardment Group. Captured by photographer Stuart H. Bourne, the image highlights the aircraft in its authentic wartime markings, honoring one of the most famous Flying Fortresses of World War II.
The original Thunderbird (serial 42-38050) flew 112 combat missions with the 359th Bombardment Squadron from RAF Molesworth between 1944 and 1945, without a single crew injury. Today, N900RW (B-17G-105-VE, serial 44-85718) carries the Thunderbird name and nose art in tribute. Built at Lockheed-Vega’s Burbank plant, this aircraft later flew as a French survey aircraft before being restored for display and flight in the United States.
Currently owned by the Mid America Flight Museum in Mount Pleasant, Texas, N900RW is undergoing restoration at the Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon, with plans to return to flight. The aircraft remains one of the most recognizable Flying Fortresses on the airshow circuit, preserving the legacy of the crews who flew them in combat.
Operator: Mid America Flight Museum (current), painted in tribute to 303rd Bombardment Group, RAF Molesworth
Aircraft Type: Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
Military Code: 238050 BN-U “Thunderbird”
Civil Registration: N900RW
Photographer: Stuart H. Bourne
Material: Archival photographic paper
Finish: Gloss
Paper Type: Archival gloss photo paper
For verified airframe history and operator details, see:
Aerial Visuals – Boeing B-17G N900RW / 44-85718
Wikipedia – Thunderbird (aircraft)
Image Alt Text: Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress N900RW as 238050 BN-U Thunderbird WWII bomber photo by Stuart H. Bourne
