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B-17

Tue, 02/13/2024 - 3:32pm by Anonymous

The ball turret of the B-17 Flighing Fortress.

 

Due of the size of the ball turret, the gunners best suited to take the position were typically the smallest airmen in a crew; taller individuals would have struggled in the cramped, tiny spaces. The gunner would wear a flak jacket and an electrically-heated flight suit.

 

Once they entered the uninsulated sphere, they used two joysticks in either hand, one to pivot the turret ball and the other to trigger the firing mechanism for the two Browning 0.50-caliber machine guns, and two ammunition cans with 250 rounds each.

 

Foot pedals on the floor controlled the gunsight between their legs and operated an intercom, which served as the only form of communication between them and the rest of the crew.

 

Like WW2 planes/ WO2 vliegtuigen for more planes

 

Wartime Memories
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