Friday, January 15, 2016

A B-1 Stand of a Junkers Ju 188

View of the movable dorsal defensive position (B-1 Stand) of a Junkers Ju 188 E-1 or F-1. The engine cowlings suggest that the aircraft was powered by BMW 801 G engines. The LLG 131 turret, with its kidney-shaped armored glass, was armed with an MG 131 machine-gun. The photograph illustrates just how restricted the gunner's view was from this position. Note the small windows on either side of the turret providing a view toward the rear. This feature was not seen on all Ju 188 aircraft. Just visible at the top of the photograph is the DL 131/1 D electrically-driven turret (B-2 Stand), which is also equipped with a single MG 131 machine-gun. An HD 151/2 turret could also be fitted in this position. In many cases the B-2 Stand was removed to minimize speed loss with the maximum bomb load. Note the interesting camouflage pattern on the engine cowlings. It may have been an RLM 65 finish with patches of RLM 71, which would suggest a maritime role. The photograph was taken somewhere in the Mediterranean, however the precise location and date are not known.


Source :
Magazine "Luftwaffe im Focus", Spezial No.1 - 2003

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