The German pilots were afraid of the tail gunner because of the slow rate of closure and the fact that the tail gunner could shoot first. Also even quick side attacks were not for the faint of heart. Head on quick attacks became the norm and the B-17G took advantage of that. But the losses were way too high until the P-51s started clearing the skies deep into Germany. It wasn't long before rookie German pilots faced experienced American pilots with better planes. Control the skies and win the war.
Nice information. Thank you.
109's had 20mm guns. They could stay out of range of the 50 cals and shoot their asses off.
Even chuck yeager took advantage of that and joined a luffberry circle, cheeky bastard!
(post is archived)