P-61 Turret

[MIflyer]

Of course everyone knows that the P-61's top gun turret was installed on the early P-61A's, then left off due to either buffeting problems or the B-29 turrets getting the production priority. The turret was put back on the P-61B's.

I found a photo (attached) of the turret being replaced with long range ferry tanks on P-61's bound for the Pacific. I recall reading that fixed .50 cal guns were installed in that position on some airplanes before the definitive turret came along - but have not found any photographic evidence of that modification. Anyone have any info on that?

 

[chuter]

Dynam's Northrop P-61 Black Widow Rebuild - Page 9 - RC Groups

Just past halfway down find the post called "The (Not A) Turret".


PS. The fixed gun installation was developed and installed at the Army Aircraft Mod Center in Hawaii.

 

[Juanita]

Very interesting.
I wasn't aware of this modification.

Juanita