Tail Rear

Being a tail gunner in a B-17 Flying Fortress was a lonely existence, like the ball turret gunner. The gunner sat on the end of the tail in a crowded place always looking back. Besides being the gunner was also the eyes for the rest of the crew and could give a heads as it approaches the enemy aircraft.

The previous model Flying Fortress not have a gun in the back position and was based on weapons of waist to cover the rear. In the moment arms from my waist in a bubble and could be depressed further to the rear, but it became apparent that they needed a dedicated gun behind.

He first tried a tower of power, but it was not a real person would be required to operate a firearm. The pistol manual first Sat with a pin assembly with cables going back to the gunner. The gunner had to keep some kind of benchmark with the view to obtain some accuracy. A reference point was difficult to maintain because of the bounce of the aircraft.

Later, it came with a light reflector that freed the gunner from having to keep a reference and increasing the accuracy of the weapon. In addition to the artillery position restricted, was a very cold at 30,000 feet. There was a lot of air blowing through compartment making freezing conditions. The tail gunners became good at his job and enemy pilots became reluctant to approach the rear.

For more information on the B-17 Flying fortress go to The B-17 Flying Fortress

Tail Rear

Tail Rear