Howell learned how fly B-24s, one of the most iconic planes of the war. The B-24 was an American made heavy bomber that was made in response to the army’s need for a plane with a higher speed, ceiling, and greater range than the commonly used B-17. The bombers enormous range caused it to be assigned some of the most dangerous and difficult targets . The B-24 was not however without its deficiencies; the aircrafts low altitude and vulnerability to damage made it a target to German artillery.