An Interesting Front Turret...

[FoCoB17G]

I have never seen this before. What is it? On 42-30758

media-30022.jpeg

[FoCoB17G]

While we're at it, how about this? 42-31435

media-413570.jpg

[varsity07840]

I have never seen this before. What is it? On 42-30758

media-30022.jpeg

Standard ETO nose gun modification for mid to late production B-17Fs.

[varsity07840]

While we're at it, how about this? 42-31435

media-413570.jpg

Fixed guns, not a turret.

[FoCoB17G]

While we're at it, how about this? 42-31435

media-413570.jpg

Fixed guns, not a turret.

Why place fixed guns on a B-17? It's not suited for an attack role.

[varsity07840]

While we're at it, how about this? 42-31435

media-413570.jpg

Fixed guns, not a turret.

Why place fixed guns on a B-17? It's not suited for an attack role.

To discourage head on attacks

[FoCoB17G]

Doesn't seem very practical. The attitude and vector of the aircraft can't be adjusted fast or accurate enough to stop an attack at a slightly higher altitude. If a fighter isn't directly in front of the guns 90 degrees to the wings at the perfect altitude it becomes useless.

My guess is this is why I haven't seen it before. This may be a one-off plane, no?

[terveurn]

been discussed almost every year

The 6-gun ship is West End

last time was in 2016

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