Inside the B-17 Ball Turret

[@BluePawPrint]

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[@KirbyNacionales-u7e]

My man nice animation

[@tylergraff1760]

Could you do a video on the p51-c-nt? Amazing video and animation what do you animate with

[@Lithika-t6r]

R u yarnhub?

[@noob.168]

how do they reload ammo on the ground?

[@miguelangellujan8602]

​@@noob.168excelente pregunta. 👏

[@jamess7626]

My uncle died in his ball turret in a B17 named Leap Year Lady in 1944 when it was hit with shrapnel. This video helped me understand what he dealt with. I have the utmost respect for him. He was 26 years old.

[@almonturner4727]

Wow, only 26. He was very Brave. Men like your uncle are the real war heroes. IMO

[@larryo6874]

My respects.🫡

[@KELLASDA]

Very sad. My Uncle was a B17 Pilot. Shot down in the last few weeks of the war in Europe. He survived but some of his crew did not. Tragic.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

What was his name?

[@chrisfraser1806]

Cool🙄

[@ITNerd1970]

I guess the gunner had to forego his parachute so he would have room for his BALLS to fit in the turret.... The courage and bravery of these men can NEVER be under estimated....

[@georgiabigfoot]

Wonder what ball turret gunners would think Of the millions of illegal immigrants pouring into America.

[@alanhardy3374]

@GeneralC4lol no

[@alanhardy3374]

😮 N

[@Justinsdada03]

Hands down ,, the soldiers that operated these ball turrets to this day, we're the most fearless, and bravest, men in military history

[@bmxdoe]

Well I guess you could call him the balls of the aircraft... 😉 I'm not sorry, but I'll see myself out

[@emu5088]

My grandfather was a ball turret gunner in WW2 on the B-17. His plane was shot down over Magdeburg Germany. He often described the harrowing escape he had to do to get the ball to line up correctly so he could escape, all this while his plane was on fire and plummeting down. He had to grab his parachute and successfully landed on the ground, but I believe all other members of the crew died with the plane crash. After he landed, the German military found him and he was a POW for years. It was always fascinating listening to his story. RIP. Thank you so much for this video, it was wonderful to understand thoroughly how the ball turret worked and what it was like.

[@alexandrepimentel1952]

Thanks for his service!

[@MrGaryGG48]

@@alexandrepimentel1952 Thanks Alexandre, for the comment. My mother helped build those B17s in Washington (near Seattle) for about a year, before she enlisted in the Women's Army Air Corps. She worked on the tail turrets. It was a very different time; attitudes were about as different from today as possible.

[@michaeladolph7134]

Greetings from Magdeburg. My grandfather was in the Wehrmacht Luftwaffe stationed near Magdeburg (Fliegerhorst bei Gardelegen) ....We learned in school about the bombing of Magdeburg by the B17 planes and about the B17s shot down over Magdeburg. It's good to hear the other side of the stories like your grandfathers side. It was a horrible time for both sides.Greetings from Germany

[@emu5088]

@@michaeladolph7134 Thank you so much for your comment. I agree, and it's so interesting to hear about your grandfather who was on the other side. My grandfather said he was treated very fairly when he was a Prisoner of War. And actually, my grandfather on my mother's side fought in the German navy in World War Two and was also a prisoner of war (under the British in Africa). Both of my grandfathers ended up being good friends and would commiserate about the war. It shows how we as a people have so much more in common than what separates us. I always feel very fortunate to have been born into families from both sides. I still have relatives in Leipzig that I speak with. Cheers.

[@kavzz918]

Holy hell the technology for this was nuts. Especially when you consider it was the 40's.

[@Laerei]

Many things you'd think are modern technology existed already during World War 2. For example, how do you think flak cannon were guided? By eye? Nope. Many flak cannons spread around factories, airfields and cities were guided by a single radar, that observed the airplanes and then transmitted the information on distance, flight direction and speed of targets to each individual flak battery that would then use the data to fire ahead of the bombers, rather than at the bombers. The rounds fired would explode precisely ahead of targets which had to fly through the fire and sharpnel left behind by the flak explosions. It's a mindboggling thing that they achieved with such level of technology and they did so even before the first transistor was invented that future digital computers would use.

[@kavzz918]

@@Laerei Yer thats amazing. When I think 'computer' i think the modern day type of computer. Amazing what they managed to do with by today's standard is primitive.

[@lievre460]

@@Laerei Stuff like VT (proximity) fuses too which had doppler radars in them to sense nearby targets and detonate

[@rafitohornero3850]

​@@Laereiyes i was thinking about this when playing wargame . Being a tank gunner or manning a cannon. Y had to aim in front of the target manually and depending how far the target cause of the shell velocity. And i always think how the fck german could shoot down bomber plane 2000 meter above ground so easily with flak 88, that looks like any ordinary artilery cannon. Thanks to you i found the answer

[@Griffmcc1111]

*30s!

[@Gabriel-e5g3e]

The historical accuracy and attention to detail here is astounding. The uniforms, models, even the voice chatter in the background all add to this concept of what it must have been like. Incredible work here.

[@Liz_S702]

My uncle Andrew was a Mighty 8th B17 ball turret gunner. His plane was hit and went down after a successful bomb run over the loading docks of Palermo, Sicily. He was able to parachute only to be machine gunned while floating. He was 27. Thank you for this wonderful video. I always knew he died a true hero but this educational film shows me how extraordinarily so!

[@diverengrsl17k22]

I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your uncle Andrew. Killing a helpless airman in his parachute is one of the most vile and despicable acts one can resort to, regardless of circumstances. The depressing fact is that individuals on both sides frequently resorted to doing this, and the so-called "good guys" ( presumably, the Allies ) did so as much as the so-called "bad guys" ( presumably, the Axis ). On the other hand, it is also a documented fact, and saving grace, that airmen of both sides often exhibited a chivalry and compassion for one another that had tragically been lost as a result of the circumstances of the time. Unfortunately, one course of action or the other was mostly a matter of luck, coincidence and individual choice. I truly wish that it were otherwise, with a real uniform code of behaviour involving all concerned that was inviolable, but the human condition will not allow this.

[@StefanReich]

War is shit

[@erickdeman-w9r]

@@StefanReich agreed

[@steppedtuba50]

how do you know that>

[@flyinglawnmower7457]

Im sorry for your grandpa but partaking in a war is nothing hero Like. Its quite the opposite One day all people will understand why they were born on this earth and i can promise you its not to pay taxes or fight wars for some rich people in weird brotherhoods and Clubs...

[@kensloth]

Had absolutely no idea such a targeting computer even existed back then, much less inside the ball-turret.

[@tygonmaster]

Calling them a computer is generous. They are not exactly what you would consider a computer today, relying on analog hydraulics and the like in contrast to logic units you would see later on.

[@tbr2109]

@@tygonmaster Analog computers are still computers. Heck they're undergoing something of a resurgence right now as the industry focuses more and more on AI. After all the human brain they're trying to emulate is essentially an (extremely complex) analog computer.

[@tygonmaster]

@@tbr2109 They very much are. I mean it more in the sense of what someone would call a "computer" today. It is just they are so far removed in their functionality from modern designs. When someone thinks computer, they think digital, not grinding gears and pressure tubing. MAYBE if they work in industry, they would think of PLCs and that is generous. It is a linguistic thing. I think many today would just call them a "machine" over a "computer" simply due to current conventions. As for AI, I am not aware of any efforts with AI that are using analog tech (ie not using discrete logic) as that seems...daunting, but that would be an interesting thing to see.

[@Mr_Tophatt]

for real, I thought that the most impressive computer at the time was the Colossus, which was massive, and calculating all of that to make the gun shoot better is insane. It isn't impressive today but it was very impressive back then. The b-17 is one of the greatest bombers to ever be made, and it definantly helped the united states beat the Japanese empire 100%

[@James-jg9yj]

How the hell did the analog computer do all that range finding and adjusting for speed of enemy plane and wind? That is nuts

[@ADAM96667]

Always heard that the ball turret was the worst seat in the house but never knew the specifics on how bad it would truly be. Fantastic video

[@LittlealxYT]

Yeah. I'd refuse to get in. Lock me up, I don't care. So many braver men than me died in those ball turrets. I'll sit in the radio seat with a parachute right next to me thanks.

[@wipe3100]

@@LittlealxYT In fact a survey done from June to August 1944 by the 8th Air Force showed it was one of the safest place (radio operator was another). Waist gunners were 3 times more likely to die and 4 times more likely to be wounded.

[@NavidIsANoob]

Did you not watch the video? It was one of the safer places to be on the plane.

[@Hidden1603]

Regarding to ergonomics -- sure, it wasn't comfy, but regarding to safety -- it was really better that others

[@thesaul9484]

@@NavidIsANoob dude, a lot of people online like to repeat, what they hear in the past, without checking if its true; every time the topic comes up, like r*tards lol, just to feed on their ego and get online points

[@DIOSpeedDemon]

I took care of a WW2 Veteran who recently passed away. He was a Speary Ball Gunner , part of a ten man crew out of New Guineau. He said you could not fire the gun for more than 10 seconds or the Barrels would Melt. He had some great war stories.

[@splintershield]

My grandpa was a bellygunner, trained in B-17s but after coming overseas they trimmed the crews from 10 down to 9 and he ended up being shipped down to Italy and working on B-24s most of the time. One of my favorite memories was when we found a B-17 and B-24 at a municipal airport for Memorial day and he took us through both and pointed out lots of cool bits of trivia. This video was amazing, thank you.

[@Nerd3927]

"cool trivia" to him was probably of Vital Importance.

[@xenostim]

sounds interesting af. I used to ask my grampa so many questions about the war that he was actually inspired to write a book of poetry about it 🤣 love that. he was in the navy seabees. slightly random question, is your grampa a shorter guy? I couldn't imagine being on the taller side and being scrunched up in there

[@splintershield]

@@xenostim Seabees = CAN DO Grandpa was shorter, but his descendants are all taller

[@frankbruno9499]

My neighbor, a Seminole native American 5'7", was a B-17 ball turret gunner,lived to be over100, served in the Pacific theatre the entire war told me not much room in there.This vid proves it.RIP good buddy.

[@Latviešu_Amēlija]

Not true

[@spinner1353]

Shut up have some respect

[@ihatetrainyards4859]

@@Latviešu_Amēlija Not true what?

[@SirDoggington]

@@Latviešu_Amēlija Very true.

[@MrWinky69]

Why do you include his race? who gives a shit. Dude was awesome..race doesnt make it any better.

[@Abu_shbab]

I can't believe a KZbin channel doing ART like this.

[@randymengler540]

I wonder how many of our own planes were hit with our own bullets

[@gunsandcommissions]

I'm surprised the ball gun mechanism could handle the weight of their massive brass balls. Also, I can't even imagine the racket and concussion sitting next to dual M2s at full song, while screaming through the sky hanging underneath and directly in the prop wash of a very heavy, very loud airplane. Just amazing.

[@nickelmypickle]

My pappy flew 50 successful missions over Germany in a ball turret he always knew how lucky he was and had a great bit of survivals guilt he never flew again not commercial or military once the war was over. Thank you for this he passed before I could meet him but I feel like a piece of him is inside me still and I’m told I act a lot like him too.

[@Manuel-un4vm]

The ball turret may have been the safest part of the airplane but it was also the most detrimental for long term injuries. I read a letter from a WW2 ball turret gunner to a doctor explaining why he needed benefits and he described the excruciating pain he dealt with all his life from being in the turret in the fetal position for 12 hour missions in the pacific theater. His wounds were not only physical but psychological as well. The turret gunner experience was terrifying and traumatic

[@johnshurts]

My father-in-law was a top turret gunner/flight engineer/crew chief on B-17's during WWII. He was a relatively short individual and was offered the ball turret as a gunner position, probably because of his size. He said he looked at it and said "You ain't gettin me down in that hole!" - so much for that idea.

[@FeralPatrick]

My uncle was a ball turret gunner in a B-17 that flew 111 missions with zero casualties. He flew 35 total missions in a few different Forts but Li'l Audrey was his main plane (42-32006). He claimed at least one enemy plane shot down, and he caught a piece of flak in the sole of his boot but wasn't injured. He also had to bail out of one Fort over Belgium and with their help made it back to England. Excellent video!

[@MissIvoryB]

Nice man is he still around?

[@FeralPatrick]

@@MissIvoryB - Sadly he is not. Wish I had asked him to share more stories.

[@mustachespud]

@@FeralPatrick Im sorry, he sounded like a cool uncle

[@ObservingtheObvious]

Thanks for sharing. I enjoy the personal accountings.

[@rudebuddha4895]

Not to discount the incredible bravery or skill these young men had but it's an Interesting testament as to how hard it was to destroy an attacking fighter as a ball turret gunner considering how many missions he flew. My father flew P-40's P-51's at the tail end of WWII and just missed any air to air combat.

[@dococapocalypse7580]

Single greatest animated breakdown of anything i've ever seen. The shear amount of detail is amazing. The willingness to add in the extra dramatic flair was not even necessary but absolutely incredible and added so much to it. It's strange to be on the edge of your seat during an informative video but i loved every second of it. fantastic work. I'm about to go watch the rest.

[@sliceddpbj]

you do know this isn't the main channel right? their main channel is called yarnhub

[@sureshots98]

The ball turret and rear gunner have the hardest jobs, but the turret is by far the most terrifying.

[@judyboyle9232]

That was very interesting. I had no idea it was that complicated. My dad flew 35 missions in this Ball Turret . He died two years ago at the age of 97 may he rest in peace and we always thank him for his service to keep us free.

[@ericbarnett6771]

A couple of years ago I visited a museum with one of the few operational B-17's. For a fee I was able to sit in the ball turret. I'm 5'9", 175lbs, and it was tight, and I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. The men that flew these beasts had balls of titanium.

[@bufatutuagonistes8876]

And bladders of unobtainium!

[@jonchristians2505]

I'd like to do the same. Can you please tell me the name of the museum (and the fee if that's not too presumptuous)?

[@jsmith498]

Back then Americans were slim and shorter. I don't know why they suddenly became fat in the 80s.

[@user-ki1bk5fi8b]

@@jsmith498 thanks to the high frutose corn syrups

[@Crazcosmopwnu]

My grandfather was a ball turret gunner on a B24 and I always thought that he had the coolest position on the plane and wanted to be just like him. The stories he told about his time up there were amazing.

[@TheKickKat]

Mine was as well. He was on the shorter side for a man at about 5'6" (1.67 m) and also skinny (around 120 lbs [54 kilos]). So, that's where they stuck him. I have never once thought that death trap was the coolest station on the plane.

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

On a B17, if the ball turret quit working and the bomber was required to make a landing with one or both main landing gear not working, the gunner became a bloody smear on the ground. Tragically, that happened more often than people know. Probably why on later and bigger bombers they made it so the turret could be pulled up into the body of the bomber

[@peglegjim57]

A good friend of mine still restores these, and even recasts them from scratch in many cases over the years. I got a call from him one day, and he said “I’ve got a fully functional Sperry (less operational guns, of course) on the test stand. If you’d like to take her for a test spin, come on over.” I was there in less than 15 minutes! 😎 When that hatch got locked into place, and those servo motors started winding up (SUPER LOUD!), for a moment there, I felt a tiny bit of the dread those boys must have felt. They weren’t “The Greatest Generation” for nothing…. 😬RESPECT!😬 It was a super humbling experience.

[@military_guy_edits90]

YARNHUB!!!

[@kensloth]

Grandpas big ol balls were so big, they had a nickname for HIM! 🫡 👍🏻

[@bradchristy5002]

B-17 crews were made of stern stuff. A temperature of -50 degrees!! Simply amazing & awe inspiring. I am most grateful to these extremely brave warriors & Americans!

[@blackrifle6736]

*Keep in mind Command Pilots and Second Officers, usually 1LTs, occasionally CPTs were the Old Men of the crew in their mid-20s. Most everyone else were late Teens or early Twenties at most. Unimaginable today, they comprised majority of the of the Greatest Generation.*

[@Jimmy.Harkster]

Back in 2011, I had an amazing opportunity to take about a 45 min flight in the fully restored Yankee Lady B-17. Truly unreal to see the crazy tech and what those men had to go through. I was able to walk about the entire plane during flight. From tail to nose. An experience I will never forget. The pictures I have from that flight are life long treasures.

[@Larry-nj5st]

This was the most detailed video of the ball turret that I have ever seen. Great job. My uncle was a ball turret gunner on a B-24 in the Pacific, but unfortunately didn't survive the war.

[@faithinverity8523]

My dad was a tail gunner. I was visiting him on day and he said “there’s a B17 out at the airport.” When we arrived, we walk up to it and the crew was there. They knew instantly that he was a former crew member. It is a tiny airplane. The most interesting story was how he got the job. They had him stand in the back of a pickup truck and use a shotgun to hit targets that were thrown up. So the gunners were all good shots. He and another fella both hit a 262 one day. The second jet aircraft ever downed in combat. Late in the war apparently most of the rounds were armor-piercing and incendiary. The exceptions were the tracers. My dad’s parents were German and Italian Americans. So often it was cousins fighting cousins. My dad and most of the ex-

[@noob.168]

Crazy how white privilege let a German/Italian dude fight in Europe. While the Nikkei weren't allowed to fight Japan. Such a "free" country.

[@_JimS]

I remember the first time I saw a "Flying Fortress" B-17 in person and toured the inside......Yes! Very tiny. I couldn't get over the thin rail catwalk they walked from one end to the other. Kinda burst my balloon from all the WWII movies I watched as a boy. I LOVED 12o'clock High.

[@larryo6874]

My father’s brother was a navigator on a B-17. My father took him out to the airplane museum a few years ago but the B-17 had flown out to an air show. My father apologized but his brother said no worries I’ve already flown in one many times.

[@daniell1869]

tiny airplane? what are you smoking my guy. a cessna 152 is a tiny airplane

[@benyatrock]

Tiny? No. Cramped? Yes. The US used 50 caliber API ammo pretty early on in the war.

[@ryandavid453]

My grandfather was a ball turret mechanic towards the end of the war. I love that I now have a better understanding of the system he was so proud to have worked on

[@DIOSpeedDemon]

THere were 10 men as part of my veterans crew on the plane. They all had specific jobs and he said they did not train together, they were trained in different places and then assigned a plane and all sent to that plane. He also said that as the plane got near the target, flying the plane was passed to the bombadier and his sites until they were away from the Target. Great stories he told me.

[@PeacefulBrother33]

I am completely fascinated by the ball turret. The men who operated it were incredibly brave and highly skilled. Me being claustrophobic, I cannot imagine functioning in such a close, restricted space! Absolutely phenomenal video. Top-notch graphics and authoritative narration.

[@DMitch-k7m]

My Dad flew 35 missions as a B-17 ball turret gunner. Thanks for the detailed description - wish my Dad was still alive to see this.

[@KevinHoneycutt-k6r]

Thank you for making this video! My Grandfather flew 32 missions & he didn’t like to share very much of his experience. This has been incredibly fascinating & powerful

[@lornespry]

I got here by accident and was going to cancel and go to where I thought I was navigating. But, being interested in aviation and history, I quickly recognized the quality of this presentation and watched the whole thing in fascination. I was surprised at the sophistication of the ball turret, and stunned at the courage, intelligence and skill that must have been required of anyone who crewed these devises. Suitable impressed I subscribed to BluePaw! Well done!

[@sgtbrown4273]

I was a Maxpro scout 50 gunner in Afghanistan, and I was very impressed with the details you put into this video. I often wondered how they charged, cleared, and set the head space and time on these 50s. Got to hand it to these old boys they had guts to fly in these death traps. Happy Veterans Day, brothers and sisters.

[@montybrewster7]

The bravery of the men that fought in these turrets makes my mind boggle. I am of the generation that will never forget & will always be grateful for the bravery & sacrifice of every man & woman who contributed to the survival of our nation here in the uk & the whole of the free world. May God rest their souls. Great video BPP, many thanks.

[@Fizzler99]

A man lived on my street when I was a child and he had been the rear gunner in a Lancaster with the RAF during the war. He was a really quiet, short man that used to drink mild in the pub and he would often times buy all the kids some Space Invader crisps. When I was a bit older by grandfather told me just how few men survived that job and I was astonished as he told me that the man had fought the entire war doing it.

[@reugeot9058]

Wow, incredible job guys. My dad was a BTO (Ball Turret Operator) on B-17's. He and I got to try one at Taigh Ramey's museum. It IS very cramped! He would've loved to watch your video on it. Thanks for making such a concise explanation on how everything functioned. Again, great job!

[@djhaloeight]

The boys that flew those planes during the war had real courage. We owe our way of life to them.

[@drahomirpolach8890]

Beautifully made video. I finally know the purpose of the mechanism that I have at home and it is shown at the time: 3:40. My grandfather managed to retrieve it from the wreckage of a B-17G, from the 2nd Bombardment Group, 49th Squadron, which was shot down in a great air battle, over the White Carpathians on August 27, 1944. The entire crew managed to bail out but fell into German captivity. The plane crashed near the village Liptál, in Moravian Wallachia, where my grandfather lived.

[@sztruce]

❤ Úžasné. Ja žijem pri Bielych Karpatoch a veľakrát som nad nimi lietal s mojím motorovým rogalom.

[@none-ya-o9z]

My Grandfather was one of the engineers that developed this turrent. Still have his work apron from the factory.

[@leonardojorgecarneiro8887]

Many years ago I visited an airplane museum near Phoenix or Tucson. They had a b-17 exposed there and an old volunteer guy that has actually flown that plane during the war. We asked him how could a man fit in that small space. He said: "Son, you´re right. A man can´t fit in here. But remember, we were 18 years boys, and a boy you can fit here". Decades after , those words still shocks me.

[@blackrifle6736]

*Actually he was right on point. The part of the Greatest Generation experiencing actual combat were a young bunch. Command Pilots and Second Officers were the Old Men in their early or mid-20s. With the exception of the Crew Chief, most of the crew were in their late teens and early 20s. My Grandfather was drafted into the USAAF and direct commissioned at age 30, making him one of the really Old Men of that era. With rare exception, I cannot imagine any teens filling those boots today.*

[@tristanrussell1583]

“Sir your back pain is not service related”

[@iac4357]

I just read an Interview of a B-17 Ball Gunner. He said that after watching another 17 explode with the entire Ball Turret fly by his plane with the Gunner inside; he decided that there was no way/time to exit the ball and don a Chute. After getting permission to have a Chute in turret, he obtained a paratrooper's Chest Chute. Being smaller, it was all he could fit in the Ball. He also said that to wear it, he would clip one side to his Harness, climb into the Ball, then attach the other side. He said it made for a tight fit, but gave him the Insurance that he wanted !

[@idunno1684]

but he'd still need to escape the ball first? I thought that's why the parachute was waiting just outside?

[@v2avalon]

​@@idunno1684 the ball gunner that flew off from his b-17 had no parachute with him in the turret so no matter what he did, he is dead

[@markpreston3406]

​@@idunno1684 the gunner wanted the chute in the turret with him in case he ended up in the same predicament as described in the interview - namely the whole turret blasted clear of the aircraft and plummeting to earth - he would at least have a (slim) chance of popping the hatch and exiting the tumbling ball *with* a parachute

[@jerryumfress9030]

The Sperry Ball Turret was a marvel of modern engineering

[@nledaig]

An engineering marvel in the service of murder. Tragic. These men were very brave. They had to believe they would survive and shut their minds to the likelihood of death and mutilation.

[@RLD_Media]

Can you other 90’s kids like me imagine growing up with the History Channel having animations as incredible and detailed as this? I mean Dogfights was literally groundbreaking and incredible to watch with its incredible animation for the time - but now?! I can’t wait for someone to remake the episodes with new animations.

[@lironlevi]

I suddenly realized where the drone design from the movie "oblivion" came from 😀

[@Seabee203]

The Narrator sounds familiar and the animation looks familiar. Im gonna leave it as an inside joke. If you know, you know.

[@kb43ver_king]

yes, iykyk

[@Markopearson47]

It is the same narrator as Yarnhub…his name is David Webb

[@dr_quantum1012]

Is this the same guys as a channel with the name that is synonymous with the concept of “threaded center of activity”

[@stevemc01]

Yeah… very familiar…

[@JamesRadford-vd6mf]

Yarnhub😮

[@LRS905]

A supremely wonderful graphical explanation of a fascinating mechanism in my favourite WW2 plane. Wonderful channel sir!!

[@keasbey-ef4ko]

"contrary to popular belief, the ball turret could not retract into the fuselage" I'm just imagining a bf109 coming from below and the turret getting performance anxiety and not being able to get out

[@jeremycox2983]

Only the B-24 had the retractable ball turret

[@kiwidiesel]

Yeah I would be inclined to keep my ball inside the plane 😂😂

[@patsmith6867]

. . . Men of Culture . . . .

[@CJBuggs]

"It's too cold up here"

[@lcl7wrkr]

Apologies, Jerry...I swear this has never happened before...gimme another flyby will ya?

[@tomhashem3102]

great video. Tremendous respect for the crews. Only error that I could see in the video is a shot of a burning b-17 where the flames are moving off to the side instead of trailing behind the plane.

[@bwilliams463]

I've always been fascinated by turret guns on warplanes, but in my readings, I have found few technical details. Thank you for a thorough and informative vid.

[@garyweber8201]

Incredibly well done video on the B-17 turret. Thanks for the masterful production on this.

[@franknomustard]

Dad. Thank you for your service. I’m sorry I didn’t say that to you while you were alive. I think I am starting to get a glimpse of what you went through all those years ago! Thank you for such a good video, guys!

[@alyssatipton5080]

So many crews never made it home. So many crew never made it home. In many ways, we failed these boys. I will never stop being thankful of what they gave day in and day out. They showed a level of bravery that I have never been able to get a grasp of.

[@josemariadeespona7254]

Great video, regards from Madrid, Spain

[@Robin-zu4re]

This is a brilliant video, not only for the technical aspect of the turret, but also to understand what it was like to use it. Great animations too.

[@johnsmith9161]

Outstanding production. You really are very very good at this.

[@BluePawPrint]

Thank you!

[@callsign_scooter9602]

Man, that was the best video that kept me hooked until the end. I NEVER knew most of the info in this video, excellent job and awesome details you brought out. Just excellent all around!

[@Gurtington]

Youre telling me in the 40s they had Aimbot? 14:06 The machines during that time were way more advanced than i would have guessed. * Also thank you for using Lbs. and not taking me completely out of the immersion of this beautiful video :)

[@virtualcolditz]

This is a great video, David, thank you. I've always been fascinated by the Sperry ball turret, which was likely the only really effective ventral defence system for bombers in WWII, well except perhaps for the B-29's remote turrets. I have had a good close look at the one in the USAF museum at Duxford, but this video fills in all the blanks. What I can't work out, though, is how an obvious Englishman refers to the lightweight metal at the back of the turret as 'aloominum', when most of us would say 'Alaminnyum'. Maybe it's because it's on an American bomber? 😉

[@blackrifle6736]

*Ha!, ha! Canadians pronounce the material the same way as the Canadian corporation's name:: Al-U-Min-eum. Cheers!*

[@radguy72]

Imagine a multiplayer video game where it's you and your crew with dozens of other bombers with their crew, each crew member a person irl. Each person has a role in the bomber and the enemy planes are real people too. You can customize the planes with cool decals, paints etc. And you can customize your character as well. I think it would be so cool to implement that gameplay with your knowledge of how WW2 planes worked and functioned.

[@Nathan-jm4kg]

The hundredth bomb group is working on one right now it’s called B-17 the bloody hundredth it’s on steam but not released yet

[@rshust]

A B-17 game like that is currently being worked on

[@awkwarddoggo05]

There's a tank game like that already. I don't know its name though.

[@MONTANI12]

there is a game that comes pretty close called bomber crew, its a bit more casual but the gameplay loop and missions are really good!

[@Losertown34]

​@@rshustwhat is the game called?

[@HM2SGT]

*Anybody else remember Kevin Costner early in his career, in an episode of amazing stories around the same time he did Silverado - 1985, as the pilot of a B-17 with the ball gunner trapped in his position and the landing gear out? Fortunately somebody in the crew was a cartoonist and threw some inexplicable magic the cartoon landing gear he drew appeared and saved the gunner's life*

[@samsignorelli]

The cartoonist WAS the ball gunner. The episode was titled "The Mission."

[@jayrenner211]

@@samsignorelli Steven Spielberg's - Fantastic Stories - was the TV series.

[@dspates51]

​@@jayrenner211the show was called "Amazing Stories" and the episode was titled -The Mission -

[@HM2SGT]

@@samsignorelli 😅 well, it has been about 40 years since I saw it LOL

[@WayPastCrazy2525]

Yes I remember I saw it as "Amazing Stories: The Movie" and I hated that hokey solution. I was hoping for something more "amazing" than some fairy tale.

[@dixonqwerty]

Duuuuude. This video was insanely good!!!

[@danovan7899]

Your animations are so good my parents walked in during a cina scene and asked if it was a movie

[@ericmillikensutterlaw5709]

After watching this I understand how much bravery these men have.

[@bufatutuagonistes8876]

Always been fascinated by ball turrets since I was a kid 70 years ago. And always wondered how they worked. This was an excellent presentation. Thank you. Nice also to know that in spite of the perceived vulnerability of the turret gunner, this was one of the safest crew positions on a B-17.

[@BluePawPrint]

There were several studies. Most of the ones that had the ball turret position as safer were based upon returning planes and so that had a lot of survivor bias. Studies where the planes didn’t return and the crew had to bail had the ball turret gunner on par with the tail gunner

[@nateweter4012]

My grandfather was in a ball turret. 486th BG 834th BS based on Sudbury. He passed in 2014 but I had many great memories with him and he told me all about his experience. A common misconception is that you had to be small to fit in it. Not true. It’s actually quite comfortable.

[@benyatrock]

Ball turret gunners were typically smaller men. This was a common practice due to the cramped space. Especially since the gunner had to wear heavy, although electrically heated, clothing. It's possible for taller men to fit in, but the comfort level dropped dramatically. And no, it's not actually quite comfortable. I think someone was pulling your leg.

[@nateweter4012]

@@benyatrock My Grandfather? Who was actually a ball turret gunner? Mmkk… There are so many myths surrounding the ball turret that I don’t have time to go through them here; But at a glance “It was the most dangerous position”, “The smallest guys were chosen because you had to be small to fit” are easily amongst the most prominent, and he talked and wrote at length about these until his death in 2014. Again, I don’t have to time or patience to type out anecdotes and references but people keep circulating this nonsense and it has sort of taken on a life of its own.

[@timbo240]

​@@nateweter4012there's plenty of other accounts in these comments of people related to ball gunners and you're the only one that says it's comfortable. nobody's perpetuating any misconceptions

[@DonTruman]

Great educational animation, thank you. Impressive technology for the time. Lots of creative thought behind it. Was particularly surprised about the targeting system. I can't imagine how it could have done that, with 1940's technology.

[@blackrifle6736]

*Like the Norden bomb sight, Sperry fire control sight was an amazingly intricate electro-optical and electro-mechanical system. I imagine that sighting-in and calibration was a complex process. I am truly astounded whenever I see any presentation of WW2 technology. Lots of bright engineering minds working under intense time pressure brought surprisingly effective results. Also, all aircraft and vehicular wiring was insulated by woven cotton threads coated with shellac.*

[@ryan5758]

This is an absolutely beautiful video. It’s insane the technology they had back then. It’s so wild to think the innovation that came from WW2

[@AndrewCZ47]

And just 6 years after B-17 entered service, you had the B-29 where all this could be done remotely from a pressurized compartment.

[@imnotmelvin3]

My dad had some great stories flying that plane the Bad Penny in ww2. Thanks dad for your service.

[@jamesphilip6737]

Wow, what a load of work! The intricacies of the animation was phenomenal. Lots of great information in an entertaining package.

[@adriansolomon6805]

This technology is pretty advanced for the time....i am impressed ❤

[@CorgiVR09]

IVE BEEN CHECKING THE CANNEL FOR SO LONG FOR THIS VID

[@BluePawPrint]

Hope you like it

[@Rayoflight64]

​@@BluePawPrint Found and Explained?

[@bugattiveyron8282]

​@@BluePawPrintDo you have a,nother channel by chance?

[@joshuabrown2337]

@@bugattiveyron8282 Yarnhub

[@kamakaziozzie3038]

WHY ARE WE YELLING

[@8deadlysinz]

How the hell do you guys pull these graphics off? Genius

[@KaiBrunk125]

The passion in your work is so clear and it shows wonderfully in your attention to detail. The animation is also top notch. Thank you so much this is awesome

[@luvtruckin]

I’m subscribed to a lot of channels this one however is so looked forward to because as a kid watching war movies you never knew how things worked but through you we now know. Thanks so very much.

[@lesliemacmillan9932]

A lot of war movies didn't know how things worked anyway. They just made it up. This is an exceptionally good video.

[@PraetorUA]

Amazing video! Such a brilliant animation and commentary. Glad I found your channel, instant subscription!

[@drake0074]

What a great little video on an important piece of history. Thank you for posting this!

[@williambonnie-do7yz]

Thank you for this. It's everything I've wanted to know since my fascination with WWII & the men who fought in it began when I was just a child. I had two great Uncles that fought, one in the Marines & one in the Navy. Both fought in the Pacific theater against the Japanese. This is brilliant!

[@xmaxfuture]

My respect for the soldiers and engineers involved in building this masterpiece. These are extremely hard-working engineers and gunners. Thank you, Blue Paw, for this well-detailed and unique work

[@matann7273]

The amount of detail in the models and in the explanation of how each element works makes these types of videos a historical treasure. As a fan of mechanisms and the history of technology, I am infinitely grateful for the dedication invested in these videos

[@lesliemacmillan9932]

I especially like how they made sure that all rotation could be accomplished without twisting or winding up cables running from the rotating part to the non-rotating parts of the airplane structure. Clever! That way it could rotate around and around and around infinitely.

[@hpblack1953]

I discoverd your channel about a week ago. These videos and the narrative are outstanding. I'm subscribed and have liked every video you've posted. Well done.

[@nakulaman]

Really love this channel. The information is very in-depth and the animation helps to understand everything. Great job!

[@trekkiepro]

First time I ever saw a B-17 up close, I immediately went and looked at the ball turret - I must've stared at it for a good few minutes. "It's so small... those poor boys." Came to mind. May all that never came home rest in peace.

[@jayrenner211]

I worked for the guy that was the model for the ball turret seat design. He was in a line-up and one of the Military higher ups picked him out of the lineup and said "Use this guy as your model" and that was it. He was maybe 5'-7" and the entire ball turret was designed around him. Mr. H. Lerner was his name and owned Automated Packaging Systems out of Twinsburg, OH with his brother

[@DanielDorn-tr7tw]

Truly short king

[@kensloth]

This makes me oddly pleased to also be 5’7” 😂

[@peglegjim57]

@@jayrenner211 I’m 5’-7”, and had the opportunity to operate one on a test stand (less operational guns, obviously), and it was a very tight fit! My knees were so close to my face, I was damned near in a fetal position! Those boys had one hellofa tough job.

[@jasonrhodes9726]

My uncle was a towering 5'5" and 120 some pound was made a sergeant because they needed small people to man the turret.

[@BrayanCarmona-kr7vt]

​@@DanielDorn-tr7twshort? In today's world 5'7 is considered average while 5'10 is tall so far from short. I consider 5'5 and below short

[@jusjetz]

That’s why I like the Remote Control Turrets from the B-29 Superfortress

[@icommitwarcrime2239]

Yeah so you dont feel claustrophobic and feel safer instead

[@stonedtowel]

I hope you and the team are doing well David, sending love from 🇺🇸🫡

[@pierrew1532]

Amazing info thank you. What a system was this, and what an experience it must have been... One thing i don't understand, to me the sticking for lateral orientation seems very counter intuitive.. Up and down are like the controls for pitching a plane, but left-right are inverted. Is there a good reason for that ?

[@GenStallion]

That escalated. Completely absorbed to the end. Then BAM! Heres our sponsor.

[@morenofranco9235]

Amazing work - and a great presentation. Thanks, Blue Paw Print

[@kdlockyer]

Great video! I'd be keen to see one on the turret system of the B29 Superfortress and a technical video on the P-61 Black Widow.

[@matthewcaughey8898]

The system on the B-29 did not take well to tropical conditions. The unit frequently malfunctioned which would cause the top quad 50 turret to slew 90 degrees and expend the entire ammunition loadout in one constant stream. Most B-29s eventually got modified to silverplate spec. This removed most of the defensive guns except for the tail gun ( which often got a 20mm cannon added) mainly to save weight so the B-29 could carry early atomic weapons.

[@kdlockyer]

@@matthewcaughey8898 that's really interesting about the malfunctions. I bet the guy who first noticed that issue shat his strides a bit. When I was young I made a 1:48 scale model of a B29 and the kit gave me the option of mounting the turrets or the components for the silverplate variant you mention.

[@nigelturpin3533]

Wonderful detail...I am now feeling thoroughly creeped out...the ingenuity..the bravery...massive respect for this generation..not far off beyond belief...I'm 69 and 5ft 6in...so er...

[@danbgt]

Very interesting! I am claustrophobic. Although I am a pretty small guy, there is no way I would be able to get in one of those things!

[@LambdaTF2]

The way this video is presented is extremely well done. Super nice animation work.

[@wildzeromusic]

The Sperry turret is such a cool piece of kit. I love the interest in this unique mechanism.

[@ChristianFrench1]

This is a brilliant piece of work. The soundtrack, the addition of the men and the radio chatter make this video incredibly emotive. I was really moved by this representation of what these boys went through. Thanks for making this.

[@sturmx96]

That's true. It brought tears into my eyes realising the bravery of the crew also thinking about all those great engineers who designed all that.

[@AverageHomelessMan]

Its really amazing how advanced something like this really was for its time.

[@Mudskipper-z2b]

I like how despite seeming pike a coffin with little amounts of anything, a lot of effort was put into the protection and ease of use for the person, instead of being like, “deal with it”

[@ME262MKI]

I'm amazed on how detailed the animation are and more about how you manage to investigate how every components inside works, can't wait to see more of it, maybe next time we can see how the turrets on a battleship used to work

[@Alain_Mendez]

Every day the animations surprise me more 🤯