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obvert -> RE: Name This One (4/10/2015 11:28:46 PM)
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ORIGINAL: m10bob
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ORIGINAL: Shark7
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ORIGINAL: JeffK
From the files of Joe Baugher
One of the more remarkable examples of a modified B-24J was one upon which was grafted the complete nose of a B-17G in an attempt to improve the forward visibility. Only one such example was produced. s/n 42=73130
They were trying to increase to forward defensive firepower.
Which makes sense seeing that the Germans learned to attack the bomber formations from the front.
According to Saburo Sakai, the Japanese also learned this, against B 17's..Ironic, huh?
Just read "Fortress in the Pacific." All about the B-17 from the PI to So Pac. Highly recommended!
The B-17s in the Pacific were first C-D models. Then the most plentiful were the E. As we know a pitiful few F replacements arrive in 42. Then there is nothing. So the G with the chin turret didn't fight in the Pacific until 45, and then only a handful, mostly generals' private aircraft.
The Japanese had a ton of respect for the B-17, and yes, learned to fight it from the front. Especially the C-D models which were eventually field modified to get more defense up there. Some even put a fixed forward 50 cal and shot down a few Japanese fighters who came in directly ahead, probably thinking the guns usually poked out the sides of the nose.
This book also talks a lot about the B-17 skip bombing program (which was actually really successful! [X(]), night bombing against Japanese airfields (which was of special interest to me [:)]) and frequent use against ground troops to soften up an area before invasion or a planned attack. I learned a ton.
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