Question for the B-29 experts

[astixjr]

I saw a photo image (estate sale item) of a B-29 with a Sperry A-13 ball turret in the lower rear turret position. Anyone know why they would have been testing that kind of a setup? There must be a story behind this photo but I can't imagine why they would even try this. Thanks,

Ebay Item number: 270385432701

Here's the link using Tiny URL. Never tried this so sorry if it does not work.

http://tiny.cc/pyJwg

[TonyM]

This airplane was part of an experimental B-29 modification program called "Project S68", which was a manned turret evaluation of B-29 type airplanes conducted in October 1944. The airplane used in the evaluation, B-29# 42-24441, was re-designated as a B-20-25-BW. The airplane featured manned turrets in place of remote controlled turrets as found on standard production model B-29 airplanes.

The airplane featured remotely controlled forward firing Emmerson Model 136 "Jowl Barbettes"-- one on each side of the nose and equipped with a single 50 cal in each barbette. The airplane also had two manned Martin upper turrets in place of the standard B-29 turrets on top. The airplane was equipped with two Sperry ball turrets--one was a Sperry A-2 Ball Turret mounted in the lower forward position and a modified Sperry A-13 ball turret in the lower aft position as featured in the photo. The airplane also was equipped with flexible waist guns. The program was soon dropped.

The photograph featured in the post is an official Boeing Company Photograph--Call number: Boeing 83588-B. This photo and others depicting this unusual B-29 can be found on page 62 and 63 of B-29 Superfortress In Detail and Scale by Alwyn T. Lloyd.

Hope this helps.

TonyM.

[astixjr]

Thanks Tony, that's very interesting info. I'll try to do some research on the Emerson 136 model turret. I have found some Terminated Inventory Tags from 8/17/45 that show "turret type 136". Until your post, that model has been a complete mystery to me.

I'll try to get a copy of that B-29 book.