Both the Lancaster and the B-17 were designed to answer national strategic 
interests. The Lancaster to carry a big load over a relatively short distance 
to continental targets. The B-17 on the other hand needed much longer range 
to hit what US planners saw as potential targets far from US shores. The RAF 
were proponents of night bombing using carpet bombing techniques while the 
AAF planners envioned the need for precision daylight bombing which 
necessitated heavy defensive armament. In comparison of the two planes and 
considering the level of technology at the time of their design, I think both 
served very well. I still can't understand how the Lancaster could be flown 
by one pilot.
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