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The B-52G used the ASG-15 Defensive Fire Control System, with a hydraulically controlled turret mounting four .50 caliber guns. On the G the gunner sat in an ejection seat, next to the "E-Dub", the Electronic Warfare Officer. If my memory serves me, the azimuth limits are + and - 60 degrees of turret movement, and 40 degrees up, and 50 degrees down, indicating how the aircraft was originally designed as a high altitude bomber. In the 1980s, the gunner also operated the AFSATCOM, the Air Force Satelllite Communications System. This was a state of the art Real Time, Real World Hard Copy "teletype" system allowing for direct satellite links between individual aircraft and NCA, (National Command Authorities).
When the decision was made to have the gunner occupy the forward cockpit, such as on the G and H models, thought was given to compensating for the lack of visual acquisition through the loss of the gunner's aft windows, with a television camera mounted on the tail. It really never worked well, and was subsequently removed. In addition to the search, acquisition and track radars of the DFCS, the gunner had an ALR-46 Warning Receiver that provided threat information from fighters and other threats. The Defensive Team had at their disposal chaff, flares, electronic jamming, defensive maneuvers and close crew coordination that enabled the BUFF to have a fighting chance.
Ironically, the practice ammo we used was as old as WWII vintage, and the guns themselves are identical to WWII era guns. We used electric gun heaters, and either pneumatic or hydraulic gun chargers to charge the guns, (don't recall which right now). But, you could remove the gun, bolt on a charging handle and triggers, and have the same gun in your hands as in WWII, M2 Brownings. On the Buff, there were electric ammo feeders, boosters, that really cranked up the rate of fire available. Firing four .50 calibers guns simultaneously is quite something, and it shook the aircraft pretty well. The DFCS was mostly vacuum tube, with some modifications that were solid state, but it really was 1940s technology. I think we had about 28 different modes of operation, from on to off, and everything in between, such that the gunner would perform a Modes Check, determine the condition of his system, and configure it so that he retained as much capability as possible while cutting out the malfunctioning components.
The gunner could manually move the turret during certain modes and checks, and it would even affect the aircraft such as a rudder might if held in full azimuth. It would slew from one limit to the other incrediby fast.
Anyhow, that's my recollection of having been a B-52G Instructor Defensive Aerial Gunner in SAC in the 1980s. I have my manuals still, so I could post more if anyone is interested.
By the way, if you ever see a former gunner, or an "Honorary Gunner", don't forge to ask him if he has his "bean", but have your wallet ready! There are a few stories about this great tradition, from the last enlisted gunners in the USAF!
The BUFF is a great aircraft, and flying with a dedicated crew was a fantastic experience.
Craig
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