The design was mainly deployed on the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-24 Liberator, as well as the United States Navy's Liberator, the PB4Y-1. The ventral turret was used in tandem in the Convair B-32 , successor to the B-24.

May 20, 2022 · The B-17’s conventional landing gear meant the implement featured a non-retractable mount, while the B-24’s tricycle landing gear required the installation of a vertically retractable mount. This kept the ball turret from hitting …

Jul 23, 2024 · The B-17’s ball turret was famous for its iconic design and its claustrophobic firing position. It was one of the most vulnerable positions on the B-17, designed to provide defensive firepower against enemies attacking from below. Here are 5 things you should know about this controversial gunner turret: 1.

Sep 7, 2021 · One of the unique features of the B-17 bomber was the ball turret. Made of Plexiglas and about four feet in diameter, the ball turret was a sphere attached to the bottom of the airplane. Armed with two .50-caliber machine guns and capable of rotating 360 degrees, the ball turret's gunner was responsible for protecting the otherwise-exposed ...

Jul 21, 2021 · The ball turret gunner—often one of the smallest crew members—crouched in a fetal position in this small, cramped space during the flight, although not during takeoff and landing. Armed with two machine guns, the ball turret …

Apr 10, 2024 · The ball turret was a vital part of the B-17’s defensive capabilities, but it was also one of the most dangerous positions. While B-17 crews had a 30% mortality rate, the ball turret gunners had a 60% mortality rate. Now watch this video and learn more about the Sperry Ball Turret and a controversy.

Sep 22, 2010 · It was their second mission in “Berlin Special,” a B-17 “Flying Fortress.” Their four-engine bomber was part of the 92nd Bomb Group, 407th Squadron of the 8th Air Force flying out of an airbase near Podington, a tiny farm village some …

Jan 18, 2025 · In the vast expanse of World War II’s aerial battleground, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress reigned as one of the Allies’ most formidable bombers. Among the 10-man crew, a lone warrior was suspended in a fragile sphere beneath the aircraft—the ball turret gunner.

Nov 20, 2024 · Despite its dangers, the ball turret was a vital component of the B-17’s defense system. The guns offered a clear line of sight and significant firepower to ward off enemy aircraft. The turret’s hydraulic system allowed for rapid targeting, …

Jul 25, 2022 · In the 1941 B-17E model, the tub was replaced with the famous ball turret. It was able to turn on two axis; 360 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically. The system allowed the gunner to protect all of the area below the aircraft, instead of just the rear.