Short Stirling & RAF Bomber Command Forum

Well, you learn something new every day. Here's me thinking that this was a German invention, but apparently it was the RFC, who first put fixed upward firing guns in their aircraft, to attack Zeppelins from below during WW1. A very interesting documentary last night, which showed that the "fully intentional" bombing/killing of civilians was thought of as a necessary form of total warfare by the Germans, even then. Something the "Dresdenites" ought to take note of.

Alan, as you will know, there is range of 'upward firing guns' on this link ............ viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1206&hilit=Schrage+Musik#p7003

........ which begs the question, has anyone any images of RAF 'upward firing' guns or should I say, where there any known in design?
John

Hello there,
Although not a fixed upward firing installation,the curved 'Foster Mount',used to mount a Lewis gun on the upper wing of the Nieuport 17 and the Se.5a allowed the gun to be slid back and fired almost vertically above.It was also used to allow the pilot to pull the gun back to change the ammunition drum.
Regards,Mark Simpson.

Thanks for clearing that point up Mark
Alan

how do you shoot the upward firing guns on the ki-45 and the like? It sorta sucks not having a backup to the 37mm

As listed above .......... some good detail on upward firing guns.
John
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1206&hilit=Schrage+Musik#p7003