Boeing B-17E

B-17E, aka Model 299O

-One of the most dramatic changes in the B-17 took place with the introduction of the E model in September 1941.

-In response to actual combat experience in the hands of the RAF, key defensive deficiencies were noted and addressed.

-The rear portion of the plane was enlarged to incorporate a manned gun position featuring two hand-held 50 caliber machine guns.

-A tunnel arrangement where the gunner reached around an armored plate to move the guns…the sight was a ball and ring arrangement hooked to the gun by bicycle chain and sprockets

-The greatly enlarged vertical stabilizer also aided in high altitude stability.

-A lower turret was installed which in early variants was remote controlled as seen in the photo. A ball turret was fitted, became standard in all models following.

-This is a 46” glass and steel ball fitted with two 50 caliber machine guns carrying a man seated in a fetal position.

-From this point on the B-17 had a crew of 10 all previous variation had a 6 man crew.

-Only 512 of this variation were produced.