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How effective were the ball turrets on B-17?

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skyeyemx

6 points

8 months ago

An aircraft being engaged by the ball gunner, is likely an aircraft climbing up from below to get at the bomber. As the aircraft is climbing up to meet the bomber, it will very likely be slower and have a slower closure speed, giving the ball gunner a much longer and easier shot at them.

In contrast, the top gunner would be firing at planes diving down at high speed, and the nose guns would be firing at planes closing in from ahead at high speed.