At Aircraft Extrusion Company, we are fortunate to work with remarkable organizations across aerospace—teams pushing boundaries, advancing new technologies, and in some cases, preserving the very history that made modern flight possible. One effort especially meaningful to us is the work being done by the B-17 Alliance Foundation and their extraordinary mission to restore the Lacey Lady, an authentic World War II B-17G Flying Fortress, to airworthy condition.
The B-17 remains one of the most iconic aircraft ever built—an engineering achievement that helped shape aviation and played a critical role in securing peace during WWII. Restoring such an aircraft is not simply a mechanical task; it is a labor of honor, precision, and stewardship. Every rivet, extrusion, and structural component tells a story. Each piece contributes to preserving the legacy of the men and women who built, maintained, and flew these aircraft in service of something larger than themselves.
When the B-17 Alliance Foundation reached out for support sourcing cockpit-section extrusions, our team knew immediately that we wanted to help. Supplying materials is what we do—but contributing to a project of this historical significance is something we deeply value. The Foundation graciously shared
“The B17 Alliance really appreciates Aircraft Extrusion’s generous donation of extrusions for our cockpit section. It is companies like yours that will expedite the completion of the mission to return the Lacey Lady to the air.”
For us, this contribution is more than providing parts; it is an opportunity to support a rare and meaningful restoration effort. Bringing a B-17 back to life demands careful planning, accurate sourcing, and a deep respect for the aircraft’s original engineering. We understand the importance of locating the correct profiles—many no longer in production—and delivering them with the precision this kind of work requires.
Supporting the Lacey Lady project reflects our core values as a company. Yes, we serve the modern aerospace industry, from eVTOL innovators to leading OEMs. But we also respect the heritage that made today’s advancements possible. Helping restore a B-17 is a way of giving back to aviation, honoring its history, and ensuring future generations can experience these aircraft not just in museums, but in the sky—where they belong.
We are proud to play a small but meaningful role in the return of the Lacey Lady, and we look forward to continuing our support as the restoration moves toward its historic first flight.