This is the lead squadron of a 20-plane combat box formation. The high and low squadrons were back slightly, the high squadron taking the starboard side, the low squadron to port. Viewed from above the formation composed a tight, broad vee. From front or back the elements were in eschelon, lead squadron in the middle. There were several "box" formations used during the war, some with extra elements and others using larger elements. The formation was never able to provide the expected level of self-protection. Only after the introduction of long-range escorts were losses kept to an acceptable level. However, B-17s were credited with the lion's share of enemy aircraft downed. The B-17 is by Chris Schell, the Fw190s by Touchstone, the Bf109 by thunderr and the P-51s by neiwil. Poser 6/Vue 8.