The Evolution Of WW2 Turret Guns

Turrets revolutionized aerial warfare, giving bombers and some fighters a defensive edge against enemy aircraft. These rotating weapons platforms allowed gunners to fire from multiple angles, increasing a plane’s survivability. Let’s explore their history, development, and impact during World War II.

The Birth of Aerial Turrets

The concept of a rotating gun platform dates back to World War I, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that powered turrets became widespread. These hydraulic or electric turrets improved accuracy and firepower, making aircraft more formidable.

Some of the most well-known early bombers equipped with turrets were the British Vickers Wellington and the American B-17 Flying Fortress. These turrets featured gyro stabilization, remote sighting, and automatic fire control, making them highly advanced for their time.

The Myth of the “Self-Defending Bomber”

Early war theories suggested that well-armed bombers could protect themselves from enemy fighters. However, this idea quickly fell apart in 1939 when the Luftwaffe tore through Allied formations.

The British responded by shifting to night bombing to avoid enemy fighters. The Americans, however, held onto the idea longer. It wasn’t until 1943, after suffering devastating losses over Europe, that they realized turrets alone were not enough.

The Evolution of American Power Turrets

Despite the failure of the self-defending bomber, the U.S. continued to develop more powerful turrets throughout the war. Unlike the British .303 caliber machine guns, American turrets commonly used .50 caliber machine guns, which had superior range and stopping power.

Notable American turrets included:

🔹 Emerson A-15 Turret – Improved visibility and field of fire, replacing earlier models on the B-24 Liberator.
🔹 Martin 250CE Upper Turret – Used on the B-25 Mitchell and B-26 Marauder, featuring hydraulic power and a reflective sight for better targeting.
🔹 Sperry Ball Turret – One of the most iconic turrets of WWII, mounted on the B-17 and B-24. It featured 360-degree rotation and a remote sighting system.

The British Approach to Turrets

The British RAF took a different approach, with Fraser-Nash leading turret innovation.

Key British turrets included:

🔹 Fraser-Nash FN5 (1937) – First powered turret used by the RAF, manually cranked with two .303 caliber guns.
🔹 Fraser-Nash FN20 – A heavy four-gun turret, mounted on the Lancaster and Halifax, capable of 1,200 rounds per minute.
🔹 Fraser-Nash FN150 – A lightweight, retractable turret, making bombers more aerodynamic when not in use.

Legacy of WWII Turrets

While turrets were crucial during the war, they became less effective as enemy aircraft grew faster and deadlier. By the Jet Age, turret-based defense was largely phased out in favor of speed, maneuverability, and missile technology.

Still, WWII turrets remain a fascinating piece of aviation history, symbolizing the bravery of gunners and the ever-evolving nature of air combat.