flying fortress
A squadron of B-17 Flying Fortress bombers flies in formation through a clear sky.
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of military aircraft: "flying fortress" refers to a large, heavily armed bomber aircraft, specifically the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, used primarily by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The term emphasizes its formidable defensive armament and structural strength, likening it to a fortress that can defend itself while in flight.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The B-17 Flying Fortress was known for its ability to sustain heavy damage and still return to base. (A specific model of bomber aircraft.)
- During the war, the flying fortress became a symbol of American air power. (A general reference to the aircraft type.)
Advanced Usage
"to fly a flying fortress": to pilot or operate a B-17 bomber.
- He flew a flying fortress on missions over Germany. (He piloted the aircraft in combat.)
"the Flying Fortress" (capitalized): often used as a proper noun to refer specifically to the Boeing B-17.
- The Flying Fortress was instrumental in the strategic bombing campaign. (The B-17 aircraft.)
Variants and Related Words
Fortress (n): a large, strong building used for military defense.
- The soldiers retreated to the fortress for protection. (A fortified structure.)
Bomber (n): an aircraft designed to drop bombs.
- The bomber squadron prepared for a night raid. (A type of military plane.)
Synonyms
- Heavy bomber: a large bomber aircraft designed for long-range missions.
- Strategic bomber: an aircraft used for bombing enemy infrastructure and industrial targets.
Related Idioms
Flying fortress mentality: a mindset of being heavily armed or defended, often used metaphorically.
- The company adopted a flying fortress mentality, investing in extensive security measures. (A defensive, fortified approach.)
Fortress in the sky: a poetic or informal term for a heavily armed aircraft.
- The pilots called their plane a fortress in the sky. (A metaphorical description.)