Posted By Randy Johnson on September 29, 2009 at 17:58:48:
In Reply to: B-17F Photo Question posted by Fred Preller on September 29, 2009 at 04:26:32:
: See photo at link below...
: There is a row of "windows" in the side of the B-17F pictured in the photo. We would like to know what they are. It might be that a strip of the aluminum skin was removed, but then you have to ask: "Why?" This photo was take at Grafton Underwood (and not at an Air Depot) on or after 23 June and prior to 14 October 1943. I am not real certain what level of in-theater modification would have been done at the operational base, but the location of the openings seems to coincide with some armor plating added to the sides of the cockpit (see http://www.384thbombgroup.com/gallery/42-29800/42_29800_ME_AND_MY_GAL as an example).
: So I guess there are two questions:
: 1. What are the "windows?"
: 2. If the openings are the result of skin removal as part of the process to install armor plating, when did the operational bases start (and stop) doing this?
: http://www.384thbombgroup.com/gallery/album04/Sad_Sack_with_Ground_Crew
: Thanks to all for any help!
: Cheers,
: f3
If you look closely at picture #5 you will notice that there is a panel on the left side of the plane in the same location that is quite different from those surrounding it. A small section of this panel can also be seen in picture #7. My guess is that that particular panel was made to be removed for some kind of regular maintenance, and in the picture you are asking about it simply has not been replaced.
If the holes you are asking about are windows, they have not had plexiglass installed. Compare their apperance with other windows in the same picture.