Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Wings of Freedom: B-25J Waist Guns

IMG_6758 B-25 Bomber Waist Gun in Aurora, Oregon on June 9, 2007
B-25J Waist Gun

Like the B-17 and B-24, the B-25 featured a .50 caliber waist gun on each side of the rear compartment. Unlike the larger bombers, however, the B-25's waist guns were permanently aimed toward the rear of the plane. This allowed most of the gun openings to be enclosed with Plexiglas, with the remaining open area enclosed with canvas. This helped protect the gunner in the rear compartment from the cold air.

IMG_6762 B-25 Bomber Waist Gun in Aurora, Oregon on June 9, 2007
B-25J Waist Gun

Both waist guns were typically manned by the radio operator. These interior pictures are taken from the rear hatch.

IMG_6751 B-25 Bomber Waist Gun in Aurora, Oregon on June 9, 2007
B-25J Waist Gun

IMG_6752 B-25 Bomber Waist Gun in Aurora, Oregon on June 9, 2007
B-25J Waist Gun

Continue to B-25J Tail Gun

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