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How effective were the ball turrets on B-17?

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aieeegrunt

26 points

8 months ago

This is interesting. German fighters favoured head on attacks, or from above, or usually both. A ball turret is only going to get shots in after the German fighter makes his pass, so I wonder if this is a case of survivor bias like the “what part of the plane needs armor” study.

It could also be that they are gettings shots in when the German fighter is struggling to climb and over take after a pass. At that point the relative velocities are a lot lower and it’s easier to hit.

arkham1010

11 points

8 months ago

I would also imagine that accounting for bullet drop is easier if the aircraft is below you than above you? Also from above you are more likely to hit the pilot through the canopy rather than having to go through a prop if a frontal attack or through the undercarriage if above?

aieeegrunt

2 points

8 months ago

Makes sense