Inside the B-17 Flying Fortress
The Flying Fortress. A name that conjures up images of brave young men conducting daylight raids deep in enemy territory, far from home. The B-17 was bristling with defensive weapons and could also carry a heavy bomb load to distant locations. It rapidly became the symbol of US air power of early 1940s. We take you inside the B-17F to expose how it worked, how it was operated and the tactics that made it a formidable offensive and defensive weapon. It's reputation and achievements have made the B-17 one of the most iconic and recognizable aircraft in the history of aviation. VIDEO HERE (25:26 minutes)
Inside the B-17 Ball Turret
The B-17 Ball turret. Every military aviation fan has looked at this iconic piece of ww2 equipment and wondered how on earth anyone could be brave enough to spend a mission inside this cramped, cold and exposed environment. This small sphere was tightly packed with weapons, ammo, sophisticated mechanisms and one brave gunner who had to contort himself into position. This gunner was usually the shortest guy in the crew and his job was exceptionally tough. If you ever wanted to know more about the details of how the ball turret worked, what it was like to operate and its secrets then this is the video for you.
VIDEO HERE (18:58 minutes)
*****
Both are from the same channel and both are outstanding videos, well worth the time to watch.
And then there's THIS guy:
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/eN8RYIwdU0w
I read and watch a lot of documentaries on this and many other topics. Those men maning those planes were beyond incredible.
ReplyDeleteHighly recommend the Pima Air and Space Museum (Tucson AZ). They have an entire hangar dedicated to a B-17, you can get close up and look inside. There was also a lively 100 year old former B-17 pilot who spoke, answered questions, and autographed his memoirs.
ReplyDeleteMy uncle was a tail gunner on a B-17- I always thought it was one of his ‘stories’ until his death, & found it to be true. Pretty proud of uncle Joe for his service.
ReplyDeleteThe Germans soon found a flaw, discovering very few guns could be brought to bear against a full frontal attack. The Flighing Fortresses were mauled by the Luftwaffe until there was higher escort to and from each mission.
ReplyDeleteThe B17 and "daylight precision bombing" was the dawn of the age of the MIC, and of US military getting the dirty end of the stick.
Delete-Mike G.
Indeed, hence the development of the chin turret on the G model. And yes, the long range Mustangs made all the difference. The other big change was when Lt. Gen. Jimmy Doolittle took command of the 8th Air Force. He turned the fighters loose to hunt down the enemy instead all sticking with the bombers all the time.
DeleteI'm grateful I got several rides in one some years back. You need to be slim to get around in one, & there's very little between you & thin air. Not to mention the balls you have to have to ride 10-12 hours to hell & back, day after day. God bless those men!
ReplyDeleteMy dad was a B-17 pilot with this group--
ReplyDeletehttps://447bg.com/
He flew 35 combat missions over Europe.
The technology advanced. B-29 gun system--
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h4yBxydz0E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nskFayhBcy0
Flew in a B17g, Aluminum Overcast, out of the former Mather AFB for my 50th bday some 12 yrs ago. A very exciting and memorable experience. Legio XIX
ReplyDeleteAnimagraffs by Jake O'Neal has all sorts of well presented and interesting content.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/@animagraffs/videos
another good video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eeExpDxOuI
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