Table of Contents
How effective were B-17 gunners?
The B-17 carried over 14 of these machine guns in twin and single gun emplacements, making them very deadly when flying in formation. Many a Luftwaffe pilot fell to the combined firepower of the hundreds of machine guns in B-17 formations.
Did the B 24 have a ball turret gunner?
World War II veterans remember: Frank Mazikowski was a ball turret gunner on a B-24.
Who controlled the chin turret in the B-17?
The chin turret was operated by the bombardier. The chin turret was operated by the bombardier. The pilot and the co-pilot must be able to start and to land the machine well and safe. They are two officers of higher ranks.
How many turrets did the B 17 have?
Armed with no less than 13 0.50-calibre machine guns, including two in a new “chin” turret for defense against head-on attack, the B-17G fairly bristled with machine guns. It was operated by a crew of 10, including the pilot, copilot, navigator-radioman, bombardier, and gunners.
How much does a B-17 cost?
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
| B-17 Flying Fortress | |
|---|---|
| Primary users | United States Army Air Forces Royal Air Force |
| Produced | 1936–1945 |
| Number built | 12,731 |
| Unit cost | US$238,329 (1945) US$2.6 million (in 2016 dollars) |
How did the B-17 bomber protect its turret gunners?
Ball Turret Gunners on B-17 bombers were protected only by a glass bubble jutting out from the bowels of the plane. Permanently fixed and unable to be retracted, there was no hiding from enemy attack. It was an enclosure that at any time could become an airman’s coffin. And often did.
How many guns does a B-17 have?
A B-17 (see photo)had 13- see the drawing of the crew of a B-17. See video, B-17 with 19guns! The Sperry Ball Turretwas under the plane as seen in the photo. The Ball Turret Gunner from B17 42-31377Pot O´Gold crashed on 22 FEB 1944, tells in BALL TURRETabout his job.
How dangerous was being a ball turret gunner in WW2?
The ball turret gunner was one of the most dangerous assignments in World War II. Ball Turret Gunners on B-17 bombers were protected only by a glass bubble jutting out from the bowels of the plane. Permanently fixed and unable to be retracted, there was no hiding from enemy attack. It was an enclosure that at any time could become an airman’s
What happened to B-17s in WW2?
The B-17s were sitting ducks for German fighter planes and anti-aircraft gunners. It wasn’t until 1944 that fighter escorts were deployed to accompany them on their missions. By that time, thousands of airmen had perished over the skies of Europe.