[GH85Carrera]

An armorer carefully services one of the .50 caliber Browning machine guns inside the ball turret of a B-17 Flying Fortress, ensuring it remains in peak condition for combat. Positioned on the bomber’s underside, the ball turret was a crucial defensive station, allowing gunners to fend off enemy aircraft approaching from below. Regular maintenance was essential to prevent malfunctions, especially at high altitudes where freezing temperatures could jam the guns.
The B-17’s ball turret gunner had one of the most dangerous roles in the crew. Cramped inside the small sphere with limited movement, the gunner operated two .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns, using a reflector sight.