Turret

Webley476 · Post by **Webley476** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 11:37 am

On most upper turrets on Italian aircraft is a second "barrel" positoned at 180 degrees to the actual barrel. What is this item and what was it's purpose? And why only on Italian aircraft and no other nations? Thank you, Daniel

Post by **Editor** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:07 pm

The second 'barrel' was a counterweight to balance the gun.

Mike Powell · Post by **Mike Powell** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:12 pm

I believe this is an aerodynamic counterbalance to the barrel. Certain turrets employed on Soviet aircraft, particularly the PE-2, seem to have devices similar in intent, though in form more a partially circular vane than the rod like device in question here. I assume all such devices were intended to lower the turret's rotational power requirement. I will be interested to hear the explanations from others more knowledgable than I on this interesting subject. Hopefully, some photos or drawings will surface as well.

Yours,

Mike Powell