Victory in Europe: Remembering the Mighty Eighth and the Iconic B-17
May 08, 2025Celebrate VE Day by exploring the heroic legacy of the US Eighth Air Force and the iconic Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. Discover how MicroProse brings history to life in Microsoft Flight Simulator with authentic B-17G liveries honoring the legendary 'Bloody Hundredth.' Experience WWII aviation history firsthand!
After years of intense fighting and unspeakable sacrifice, peace finally arrived in Europe on May 8, 1945. The surrender of Nazi Germany on this crucial day, also known as Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, was a huge relief and victory for the Allies.
Numerous courageous aircrews and their planes played a crucial role in this triumph, especially those of the US Eighth Air Force, whose ceaseless bombing missions severely damaged enemy morale and infrastructure.
The Mighty Eighth, as it was eventually called, was the biggest air force ever gathered and was instrumental in the Allied triumph. This enormous fleet of bombers, led by courageous fighter pilots, operated from bases located all throughout England and carried out audacious daylight raids on well-protected enemy sites.
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was the most iconic and well-known of the various aircraft types operated by the Mighty Eighth.
The 100th Bomb Group is unique among the Mighty Eighth's bomb groups, distinguished by its history of bravery, selflessness, and an almost legendary reputation for surviving fire. Known as the “Bloody Hundredth”, this unit consistently showed incredible bravery and tenacity despite suffering significant losses in multiple missions.
Their tale has endured through the ages and has come to represent the fortitude and perseverance displayed by every World War II airman.
MicroProse has been working on bringing the legendary B-17G Flying Fortress to life in Microsoft Flight Simulator as a tribute to these soldiers and their incredible machines. In collaboration with the 100th Bomb Group Foundation, we carefully selected liveries that authentically depict aircraft from the 100th Bomb Group so that sim pilots can have a firsthand look at history.
The process of creating this B-17G model and its liveries has been both thrilling and somber, requiring extensive study and attention to detail. We collaborated closely with historians, researchers, and aviation enthusiasts—many of whom have direct experience with real B-17s, such as members of the Hangar Thirteen Foundation currently restoring these aircraft.
This collaboration allows us to better understand the B-17’s historical construction and appearance. We strive to create realistic renditions of these iconic aircraft, effectively turning them into virtual museum pieces within Microsoft Flight Simulator, preserving their legacy for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
We have recorded the sounds of the real aircraft with the help of the crew of Sentimental Journey and the B-17 Cockpit Project (which you may have seen in Masters of the Air).
You can find more information about the B-17 for MSFS at the Heritage Valor Collection website.
Photo credit: Mike Garrett – Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum
Through these efforts, we gain a more intimate understanding of history and the tremendous amount of work needed to ensure victory by virtually entering the cockpit of these Flying Fortresses. Our flights as sim pilots become acts of memory, honoring the bravery and dedication of our predecessors.
On this VE Day, we invite aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and sim pilots everywhere to join us in celebrating the Mighty Eighth and honoring the unforgettable legacy of the Bloody Hundredth. Together, we can ensure their stories remain alive, passed down through generations.