Avro Lancaster – FN.5 Forward Gun Turret

Today, we shall look at the Avro Lancaster Bomber’s Frazer Nash FN.5 Forward Gun Turret. We shall cover its construction, the hydraulic system and duties carried out by the Air Gunner. We shall refer to extracts from the wartime Air Ministry manuals, to give you a glimpse of what was involved in defending the Lancaster Bomber.

So sit back as we take you on a tour of the Lancaster’s Forward Gun Turret, as we embark on a journey aimed at promoting UK Aviation Heritage.


Textual extracts from Air Ministry Air Publications are Crown Copyright and transcribed with the kind permission of the National Archives, London. All colour diagrams are based on original Air Ministry Air Publications mono illustrations and transcribed into colour by Bryan Atkinson with the permission of the National Archives, London.

Thanks must also be given to the following superb organisations for their kind support when Bryan Atkinson originally developed The Lancaster Explored PC CD-ROM back in 2004, all are listed below and are included once again in this series of videos.

Lancaster B.Mk.I, PA474. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Lancaster B.Mk.I, R5868. Royal Air Force Museum, London.
Lancaster B. Mk.III, DV372. Imperial War Museum.
Lancaster B.Mk.X, KB889. Imperial War Museum, Duxford.
Lancaster B.Mk.VII, NX611. Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.
The Norman Groom & Jeremy Hall Lancaster Nose Sections.

The Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust.
The National Archives, London.


The material contained in this video is intended for historical, reference and entertainment value only, and is not to be construed as usable for aircraft or component restoration, maintenance, or use.


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Table of Contents:

00:00 - Introduction
00:33 - Frazer Nash FN.5 Gun Turret Overview
01:07 - Browning Gun Mounting
01:45 - Gunner's Seat
01:58 - The Cupola
02:41 - The Gun Slots
02:58 - The Gunsight
03:40 - Turret Control Handles
04:00 - The Rotating Service Joint
04:57 - Palmer Controls
05:25 - Hydraulic Pump
05:32 - The Recuperator
05:47 - Ammunition Boxes
06:29 - Gun Turret Operation
07:34 - Passage from the Turret
07:59 - Landing and Takeoff Positions
08:20 - Additional Photographs and Details
08:23 - Turret Firing Arcs
08:39 - Hydraulic AP Diagrams

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