Originally Posted by
Australopithecus
The gear is electrically operated on the B-17, and quite slow compared to hydraulic gear on more modern types. I don’t believe that the aircraft could climb much on two engines regardless of the gear position,
Have watched 909 and Fuddy fly circuits for years at MHT and ASH. Tour was at Boire giving rides the Friday and Saturday before the accident - not sure I'd characterize them climbing well even on four engines. The gear is slow to retract and extend and in the circuits they fly here, down well before they turn final.