And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
No armor, either. The pilot's back and seat were armored. The rear gunner was there to shoot back or at least the body would keep the armor a little safer.
Not as tough as the belly gunners. No way out until someone outside unbolts the canopy, so if the undercarriage is ruined a forced landing isn't to your benefit.
I think the cylinder behind him on his right is filled with CO2. The RAF used CO2 in the Lancaster to fill the airspace in the fuel tank to reduce the chance of fire when hit. Al_in_Ottawa
Russian Ilyushin Il-2 gunner is my best guess.
ReplyDeleteNo armor, either. The pilot's back and seat were armored. The rear gunner was there to shoot back or at least the body would keep the armor a little safer.
DeleteTough job
ReplyDeleteMinimum wage
BUT YOU GET A FREAKING MACHINE GUN !!!!!!
Not as tough as the belly gunners. No way out until someone outside unbolts the canopy, so if the undercarriage is ruined a forced landing isn't to your benefit.
ReplyDeleteSperry ball turrets were closed and latched from the inside. External help was only needed in case of power failure or physical damage.
DeleteCombat lifespan of a Sturmovik rear gunner was 3-5 missions.
ReplyDeleteMinimum wage? As if!
ReplyDeleteReally! That's why they draft for these positions...
DeleteMeals are included.
DeleteI think the cylinder behind him on his right is filled with CO2. The RAF used CO2 in the Lancaster to fill the airspace in the fuel tank to reduce the chance of fire when hit.
ReplyDeleteAl_in_Ottawa
Bus Tail Gunner, Chicago Transit Authority, 2023.
ReplyDeleteReal Soviet men don't need sights on their machine guns.
ReplyDeletelonely.
ReplyDelete