Avro Lancaster – FN.64 Mid Lower Gun Turret

[bladerunner900]

I learned something new today.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV6XjOdGCy4

Steve.

[ClipperLuna]

Neat, lots of detail there. I didn't know the gunner had to view his quarry through a periscope. That raises a question: what was the gunner's overall field of view, and how would he have spotted a fighter coming in from the side or behind wherever the turret was pointed?

I suppose the inevitable comparison is with the ball-turret featured on American bombers. Any idea how they compared?

[bladerunner900]

I suppose the inevitable comparison is with the ball-turret featured on American bombers. Any idea how they compared?

I have no idea. I believe the normal human eye field of view is around 210°. I guess they must have reached a useful compromise, as to not make it too narrow an angle.

Steve.

[Lewis - A2A]

Neat, lots of detail there. I didn't know the gunner had to view his quarry through a periscope. That raises a question: what was the gunner's overall field of view, and how would he have spotted a fighter coming in from the side or behind wherever the turret was pointed?

I suppose the inevitable comparison is with the ball-turret featured on American bombers. Any idea how they compared?

It was not widely used on the Lancaster(If at all in any real numbers operationally) if that's any indication as to its usability, one of those on the drawing board it made sense in reality it didnt.

[ClipperLuna]

Thank you both. From what I gather, lack of ventral protection (like Lewis said, the turret wasn't widely used) made it vulnerable to attacks from aircraft fitted with "Schräge Musik" weapons. I didn't realize what a nasty weapon-system this was until just now. Looks like countering them was quite difficult.