Why B-17s Had To Drop Ball Turrets During Landings

During an episode of Masters of the Air, a battle-damaged B-17 comes to realize that they didn’t have enough fuel to reach their base. To reduce their fuel consumption, the pilot ordered his crew members to jettison bombs, ammo, loose equipment, and even the ball turret.

B-17s Can Do That?

B-17s are known for being well-designed and robust, with good wheels-up landing or ditching characteristics. This is mostly due to its large, low-slung wing and the main gear wheels being partially exposed when stowed.

Minimizing Damage

To minimize structural damage, the B-17 would have to make belly landings without a ball turret, with the tail wheel down, and with its flaps three-quarters down.

How They Removed It

In order to remove the ball turret, the crew would need approximately 20 minutes and two tools – a crescent wrench and a hammer.

First, they’ll have to remove the azimuth case held by 4 bolts. Then, they’d have to remove the 4 safety retaining hooks with a hammer. The last piece to go is the twelve yoke connection nuts. A firm kick on the aft side of the ball will finally dislodge the turret, jettisoning it off the aircraft.