Second Air Force wrote:
Yep, and notice that she still had the top turret ring during her Navy service. It's too bad that got taken out later in life, it would certainly make it easier for the GCW to install that wonderful top turret they have.
S
As late as 1952 the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics required the PB-1W top turret installation but most squadrons did not have the turret actually installed. VX-4, for example, when it became VW-2 in 1952, held five top turrets and five chin turrets in storage for installation if the need arose, but it was also stated that due to a parts shortage the turrets were not actually operable. Inquires were made by the squadron at that time to allow the top turrets to be deleted from the requirements. It would appear, however, that the top turret ring was retained in the PB-1Ws through their Navy service.
As for the additional nose antenna/fixture, I think it was a direction finding antenna (loop type) as early PB-1Ws had the football type AAF antenna installed at that point, and it looks like a loop antenna. Perhaps the clear dome and different shape was to reduce the pilot visibility impact of the antenna. Here is the best photo I have of the installation.

And, by the way, Chris, great artwork on the PB-1W and other variations. I wish I had hooked up with you for illustrations for my
B-17 In Blue book. If I ever do a 4th Edition of
Final Cut I'd like to explore possibly including color plates of various civil B-17s similar to the one you have here of N66573. Great stuff!
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Scott Thompson
Aero Vintage Books
http://www.aerovintage.comWIX Subscriber Since July 2017