The following is an edited version of Kevin "K5" Michels' article on how the wartime manufacture of Boeing's B-17 Flying Fortress adapted to get the best and most up-to-date variants of the aircraft to combat crews in as fast a time as possible. It focuses in particular on the inclusion of the so-called 'Cheyenne tail' into the aircraft's design. The article was originally produced for the Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing's newsletter, Cowl Flaps, and is reproduced here with permission. It makes for fascinating reading, and we feel sure that you will enjoy it!