The Ball Turret on a B-17 Bomber.

The ball turret on a B-17 bomber was a rotating, spherical gunner’s station located underneath the aircraft. This small, cramped space housed a single gunner armed with two .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns. The turret was designed to protect the vulnerable underside of the bomber from enemy fighters during missions over Europe and the Pacific in World War II.

Operated hydraulically and with limited mobility, the gunner would remain seated in a fetal-like position, often facing cold temperatures and tight quarters for the duration of long flights.

Serving in the ball turret was considered one of the most dangerous roles on a B-17. Gunners had to endure hours in isolation while exposed to enemy fire, as the turret’s location made it a primary target for attacking fighters. Despite the risks, the ball turret was a vital component of the bomber’s defense system, helping ensure the success of missions and the survival of crew members.

The B-17, known as the “Flying Fortress,” became a symbol of American air power, and the bravery of the ball turret gunners contributed to its legendary reputation.
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