The whole rationale behind flying boats was that there were never enough airfields and too many islands, but all that changed in WW2 in the Pacific. In mid-1942, the Imperial Japanese forces started construction of a new airfield on occupied Guadalcanal, in the Solomons, an airfield that would command the sea-lanes across the Pacific. It was what you might call a "Billy Mitchell" moment- this kind of strategic play was exactly what Maj. General Mitchell, champion of air-power and the USAAC between the wars, had warned might happen some day! They named a bomber after him. But after an epic and drawn-out land and sea battle, the United States, not Imperial Japan, finished that airfield. You'll know the saying... "Build it and they will come..." The Japanese flying boat base responsible for the Solomons became increasingly alarmed as one by one their patrols just disappeared- each would tap off a quick "aircraft" alert.... followed by silence. But what kind of "aircraft" were doing this? The truth dawned when one lucky crew limped home in a smoking "Mavis" super-ventilated with .50 cal bullet holes. They'd fought off broadsides from TWO "patrolling" B17s! Not just any old "Aircraft..." then, "Big Aircraft... with wheels." Thanks for viewing and comments... Assets The Digimation B17G (I've rolled this back as best I can to E/F by hiding the chin turret, and subtle posing to hide the resulting "hole")