12 Jul '45: TOS USAAF as B-17G 44-83872. 16 Jul '45: TOS USN as PB-1 77235 at Naval Aircraft Modification Center, Johnsville, PA. 12/46: Converted for AEW tests as a PB-1W. Served with VX-4, FASRON 103, VW-2 and VW-1. 1/55: NAS Litchfield Park, AZ for storage. 10 Jul '56: SOC. 10/57: Aero Service Corp., Philadelphia, PA with c/r N7227C. Converted for aerial surveying. 12/61: ACS Incorporated; used for aerial photography, including photographing a solar eclipse from 31,500 feet for the University of Alaska. 9/67: Confederate Air Force, Harlingen, TX.

12 Jul '45: TOS USAAF as B-17G 44-83872. 16 Jul '45: TOS USN as PB-1 77235 at Naval Aircraft Modification Center, Johnsville, PA. 12/46: Converted for AEW tests as a PB-1W. Served with VX-4, FASRON 103, VW-2 and VW-1. 1/55: NAS Litchfield Park, AZ for storage. 10 Jul '56: SOC. 10/57: Aero Service Corp., Philadelphia, PA with c/r N7227C. Converted for aerial surveying. 12/61: ACS Incorporated; used for aerial photography, including photographing a solar eclipse from 31,500 feet for the University of Alaska. 9/67: Confederate Air Force, Harlingen, TX. Note lack of dorsal turret, sparse nose art.

12 Jul '45: TOS USAAF as B-17G 44-83872. 16 Jul '45: TOS USN as PB-1 77235 at Naval Aircraft Modification Center, Johnsville, PA. 12/46: Converted for AEW tests as a PB-1W. Served with VX-4, FASRON 103, VW-2 and VW-1. 1/55: NAS Litchfield Park, AZ for storage. 10 Jul '56: SOC. 10/57: Aero Service Corp., Philadelphia, PA with c/r N7227C. Converted for aerial surveying. 12/61: ACS Incorporated; used for aerial photography, including photographing a solar eclipse from 31,500 feet for the University of Alaska. 9/67: Confederate Air Force, Harlingen, TX.

This is actually B-17G 44-83872. After construction, it was transferred new to the US Navy which modified it to a PB-1W airborne early warning a/c with BuNo 77235. Retired from the USN in 1955 and sold to the civilian market where it was used as an aerial survey a/c. Sold to the CAF in 1967 and initially marked as a B-17 from the 305th BG, as seen here.

After almost eight years of restoration work by the Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing 'Texas Raiders' is making its first public appearance at Wings over Houston 2009. 'Texas Raiders' is illuminated by the very last sunrays on the Friday evening before the show.

No shortage of theatre at a Confederate Air Force show.

N7227C lands streaming smoke as part of the CAF show.

Seen over the green spot.

Pictured lifting off rw17R to begin her contribution to a super flying display at Wings over Houston 2011.

Douglas built USAAF 44-83872 painted as USAAF 483872. Was a US Navy PB-1W and survey aircraft before restoration.

Shortly before I flew in this aircraft!

Served the USN post-war as PB-1W Bu 77235 till 1955 and acquired by the CAF from Aero Service Corp in 1967, still flying as 'Texas Raiders' with original USAAF serial