The YB-40 was a derivation of the Boeing B-17, in which additional guns were added in hopes that these heavily-armed B-17s would be able to “escort” the other bombers, protecting them from enemy fighter attacks when beyond the range of friendly fighter escort. Changes included a remotely-controlled chin turret (which later became standard on the B-17G model), twin .50 caliber guns in the waist positions (instead of the single guns), an extra twin gun power turret behind what used to be the radio operator’s gun position, and sometimes extra cheek guns in the nose. The bombs and bombardier were left behind, and extra ammo for the guns was carried. Even with the reduction in weight without the bombs, the added weight of guns and ammo made the aircraft heavier and slower. The program was made obsolete not only by its own failures, but by the appearance of long-range fighter escorts that could fill the role much more ably. Some photos of YB-40 can be found in the link below:
http://aviacaoemfloripa.blogspot.com.br/2011/02/boeing-yb-40-um-gunship-na-segunda.html
Hope you enjoy and thanks for visiting!
By: snafu - 29th April 2014 at 12:18
The program was made obsolete not only by its own failures, but by the appearance of long-range fighter escorts that could fill the role much more ably.
The ironic thing was that the extra armour and weaponry made it slower than the empty bombers after they’d dropped their bombs – slow enough to need an escort of its own on the way back from the target.
By: daveg4otu - 29th April 2014 at 12:14
Were the upper turrets and waist guns fitted with any kind of safety stops to prevent firing into the wings/fin etc?
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April 29, 2014 at 10:43 am