B-17G Ball Turret
Behind the radio room is the ball turret on the bottom of the plane with two .50 caliber machine guns. This was the most dangerous position on the plane, but was also one of the most important. The turret could cover almost the entire bottom of the plane (stops were built in to prevent a gunner from accidentally hitting part of his own plane), but provided almost no protection for the gunner from enemy fire, who was virtually trapped in the turret in an almost-fetal position.
B-17G Ball Turret
Most gunners could not fit in the turret with a parachute, so they left it out. It was also difficult to out of the turret, so if a plane was shot down, the ball turret gunner had the least chance of being able to bail out. The turrets could also become stuck, leaving the gunner trapped inside for the rest of the flight and putting him at risk of being killed in a rough landing.
B-17G Ball Turret
Though a dangerous position, it was an important one. In addition to defending the plane, the ball turret gunner had a view that no one else on board had, and could report damage to the underside of the plane that no one else could see.
B-17G Ball Turret
This is the view of the ball turret from inside the plane. The ball turret gunner rode in the radio room during takeoff, and only entered the turret once the plane was in flight. On the way back, the gunner came out of the turret before landing. This was a necessity, as the turret could only be entered or exited when pointed straight down.
B-17G Ball Turret
The gunner wore a heated suit and had an oxygen mask and an intercom to communicate with the rest of the crew. Most gunners found the ball turret so cramped that they didn't wear a parachute while inside it. The ball turret gunner was an enlisted man, usually a Sergeant or higher.
B-17G Ball Turret
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